Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has introduced new quality standards to curb the sale and distribution of substandard soy chunks in the domestic market, aiming to safeguard consumer health and ensure product consistency.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the newly approved standards define soy chunks (soya bari) as a textured, dried food product made from defatted soy flour or grits. The regulation covers various forms of the product, including soy chunks, soy nuggets, and soy granules commonly available in retail markets.
Key Quality Requirements
Under the new provisions, soy chunks must contain a minimum of 45 percent crude protein. Moisture content must not exceed 10 percent, while total ash content is capped at 8 percent. Similarly, crude fiber must remain within the prescribed limit of 3.5 percent to maintain nutritional integrity and product quality.
The standards also impose strict safety thresholds. Residual hexane or solvent content must not exceed 10 mg per kilogram, and aflatoxin levels must remain below 15 micrograms per kilogram. The use of artificial colors, synthetic flavors, and unauthorized preservatives has been strictly prohibited.
Packaging and Labeling Mandatory
Producers are now required to use food-grade packaging materials and ensure proper sealing of products. Labels must clearly mention nutritional information, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, and other mandatory details to enhance transparency and traceability.
Implementation Timeline
The ministry stated that the standards will come into effect 181 days after publication in the Nepal Gazette. After the enforcement date, producers and sellers failing to comply with the new requirements may face legal action under prevailing food safety laws.
Protecting Consumers
Officials said the move was necessary as soy chunks have become a widely consumed and affordable source of protein across the country. With rising demand, concerns had grown over the circulation of low-quality and potentially unsafe products in the market.
The government believes the stricter standards will not only protect public health but also promote fair competition and encourage manufacturers to maintain higher production standards.
Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has introduced new quality standards to curb the sale and distribution of substandard soy chunks in the domestic market, aiming to safeguard consumer health and ensure product consistency.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the newly approved standards define soy chunks (soya bari) as a textured, dried food product made from defatted soy flour or grits. The regulation covers various forms of the product, including soy chunks, soy nuggets, and soy granules commonly available in retail markets.
Key Quality Requirements
Under the new provisions, soy chunks must contain a minimum of 45 percent crude protein. Moisture content must not exceed 10 percent, while total ash content is capped at 8 percent. Similarly, crude fiber must remain within the prescribed limit of 3.5 percent to maintain nutritional integrity and product quality.
The standards also impose strict safety thresholds. Residual hexane or solvent content must not exceed 10 mg per kilogram, and aflatoxin levels must remain below 15 micrograms per kilogram. The use of artificial colors, synthetic flavors, and unauthorized preservatives has been strictly prohibited.
Packaging and Labeling Mandatory
Producers are now required to use food-grade packaging materials and ensure proper sealing of products. Labels must clearly mention nutritional information, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, and other mandatory details to enhance transparency and traceability.
Implementation Timeline
The ministry stated that the standards will come into effect 181 days after publication in the Nepal Gazette. After the enforcement date, producers and sellers failing to comply with the new requirements may face legal action under prevailing food safety laws.
Protecting Consumers
Officials said the move was necessary as soy chunks have become a widely consumed and affordable source of protein across the country. With rising demand, concerns had grown over the circulation of low-quality and potentially unsafe products in the market.
The government believes the stricter standards will not only protect public health but also promote fair competition and encourage manufacturers to maintain higher production standards.
Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has introduced new quality standards to curb the sale and distribution of substandard soy chunks in the domestic market, aiming to safeguard consumer health and ensure product consistency.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the newly approved standards define soy chunks (soya bari) as a textured, dried food product made from defatted soy flour or grits. The regulation covers various forms of the product, including soy chunks, soy nuggets, and soy granules commonly available in retail markets.
Key Quality Requirements
Under the new provisions, soy chunks must contain a minimum of 45 percent crude protein. Moisture content must not exceed 10 percent, while total ash content is capped at 8 percent. Similarly, crude fiber must remain within the prescribed limit of 3.5 percent to maintain nutritional integrity and product quality.
The standards also impose strict safety thresholds. Residual hexane or solvent content must not exceed 10 mg per kilogram, and aflatoxin levels must remain below 15 micrograms per kilogram. The use of artificial colors, synthetic flavors, and unauthorized preservatives has been strictly prohibited.
Packaging and Labeling Mandatory
Producers are now required to use food-grade packaging materials and ensure proper sealing of products. Labels must clearly mention nutritional information, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, and other mandatory details to enhance transparency and traceability.
Implementation Timeline
The ministry stated that the standards will come into effect 181 days after publication in the Nepal Gazette. After the enforcement date, producers and sellers failing to comply with the new requirements may face legal action under prevailing food safety laws.
Protecting Consumers
Officials said the move was necessary as soy chunks have become a widely consumed and affordable source of protein across the country. With rising demand, concerns had grown over the circulation of low-quality and potentially unsafe products in the market.
The government believes the stricter standards will not only protect public health but also promote fair competition and encourage manufacturers to maintain higher production standards.
.jpg)
