Mantra Thakali Fined Rs. 250,000 After Inspection Uncovers Cockroaches and Poor Kitchen Hygiene

KATHMANDU, October 11 — Mantra Thakali, operated by Green Tara Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, has been fined Rs. 250,000 after a joint inspection team uncovered serious food hygiene violations at the restaurant. According to the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, the inspection was conducted on Saturday following a telephone complaint about insects found in food. The department’s Rapid Response Team, together with officials from the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, carried out an unannounced inspection of the establishment. During the inspection, officials reportedly found cockroaches and other insects in the kitchen and refrigerator, raising concerns about the risk of food contamination. The team also identified several sanitation shortcomings, including cooked food stored without proper covering, inadequate cleanliness in the kitchen and drainage areas, improperly organized food items in the refrigerator, and an uncovered dustbin containing waste. Inspectors further discovered approximately one kilogram of fried potatoes stored in newspaper, a practice considered unsafe for food storage because printing ink and other contaminants may pose health risks. The potatoes were destroyed during the inspection. In response to the violations, the inspection team imposed a fine of Rs. 250,000 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018). The restaurant management was instructed to improve kitchen sanitation, keep cooked food properly covered, strengthen pest-control measures, and stop using printed paper to store food items. The department has directed the restaurant operator to appear before the authorities within seven days with evidence demonstrating that the identified problems have been addressed. Officials have warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in further action under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining food safety standards and proper hygiene practices in restaurants. Authorities continue to emphasize the need for regular monitoring and compliance with food safety regulations to protect consumers from potential health risks.