A new monitoring report has shown that canteens run by government hospitals in Kathmandu lack cleanliness and are selling and distributing low-quality food.

During a joint inspection by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and the Department of Supplies and Consumer Protection on Tuesday, it was found that many hospital canteens were not following the prescribed standards when using oil in the kitchen.

The inspectors said that cleanliness was not good, spices were used excessively, and expired beverages were being sold and distributed. According to the inspection team, cooked food was often left in the open. Refrigerators were not properly maintained.

The Chitwan Hotel and Restaurant of Kanti Children's Hospital in Maharajgunj, MB Chamenagriha of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, Guhyeshwori Hotel Pvt. Ltd. inside Bir Hospital in Mahabouddha, and Sunil Canteen of the National Trauma Center in Mahanakal sold low-quality food, the inspection report states.

According to the report, the total polar materials (TPM) in the sample of castor oil collected from the Chitwan Hotel and Restaurant was measured at 12 percent, which is not as per the prescribed standards. TPM is considered a reliable indicator of the quality of oil used in the kitchen. If its quantity increases, there is a risk of spoiling the taste, increasing the amount of salt and having a negative impact on health, so such oil should be changed immediately.

During the monitoring, it was found that prepared dishes including samosas and jerry were kept uncovered. The monitor said that the kitchen of the canteen was also not clean. The Department of Food Technology has directed the Chitwan Hotel and Restaurant to mandatorily cover the prepared dishes, store them at the appropriate temperature and pay attention to cleanliness.

The TPM of the castor oil used in the MB canteen was measured at 14 percent, which is against the health standards. The inspectors also found that there was a lack of cleanliness, the refrigerator was dirty and food items were stored without being covered.

They found nine bottles of Fanta brand drinks that had expired in the refrigerator near the counter. The inspection team destroyed all the bottles on the spot and strictly instructed the canteen operator not to sell any expired items. Similarly, instructions were given to strictly follow the hygiene standards in the canteen.

The Guhyeshwori Hotel located within the Bir Hospital premises was found to be storing vegetables directly on the floor and in garbage crates. There, the kitchen floor tiles were found to be broken. The quality of the cooking oil used there was also found to be not as per the prescribed standards.

During the inspection, the lid of the dustbin was found to be kept open in the Sunil Canteen inside the National Trauma Center. The canteen was found to be using expired biryani spices in its food.

Consumer rights activists have criticized the canteen operator as well as the hospital administration. They argue that the hospital should take the responsibility of monitoring the quality of food sold on its premises. They say that since the hospital awards the contract for operating the canteen through a tender process, it is also the hospital's responsibility to ensure that hygiene and safety standards are implemented.