Kathmandu. The Department of Food Technology Quality Control has banned the import of lentils that are against the standards.

The Food Import Export Quality Certification Office, Dhangadhi had tested 2,920 kilograms of lentils and 2,250 kilograms of pulses brought by New Shree Battle Traders, Kanchanpur and Bhimdutta at Dhangadhi customs point for import from India. Department’s spokesperson Mohan Krishna Maharjan said that the quantity of grains damaged by insects in lentils was found to be more than the prescribed standard.

He also said that the presence of external colors was found in the pulses of the mass. According to the Department, a report has been sent to dhangadhi customs office stating that both pulses cannot be imported. According to the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081, it is mandatory for the food entrepreneurs who want to import food items in accordance with sub-section 910 of Section 13 of the Act to take permission from the department or the office designated by the department before importing the food items.

According to sub-section (2), food items brought to the entry point after obtaining permission for import should be imported only after obtaining entry permission from the department or office designated by the department before importing it into Nepal. The Department has also informed the food entrepreneurs importing food items through a press release today. According to the Department, action will be taken as per the Act if it is found not as per the rules.