Govt banned fillers in Sun-dried lentil dumplings: 15pc protein now mandatory

January 6, 2026, 07:04:45 PM |

KATHMANDU: The Nepal government is implementing a major quality overhaul for one of the country’s most beloved kitchen staples: sun-dried lentil dumplings. For years, these dumplings have been a go-to vegetable substitute in Nepali households, but concerns over food safety and authenticity have prompted the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to step in.

According to a new directive recently published in the Nepal Gazette, the government has set a strict 90-day deadline for producers to upgrade their manufacturing processes. Once this grace period ends, every packet of sun-dried lentil dumplings sold in the market must meet specific nutritional and hygienic benchmarks.

One of the most significant changes involves the ingredients. To keep costs down and increase weight, many producers had been mixing in cheap grains, soybeans, or soy-derived products. The new standards officially ban these fillers. Moving forward, the dumplings must be made from genuine pulses, such as black gram (Maas), to ensure the traditional taste and texture. Furthermore, the government has mandated that these products must contain at least 15% total protein, ensuring that consumers get the nutritional value they expect from a pulse-based food.

The manufacturing process itself is now being regulated to protect public health. The guidelines state that the pulses must be soaked, ground into a paste, and mixed with traditional vegetables like taro, yam, or white gourd. This mixture must then undergo a natural fermentation process before being dried. To prevent the growth of mold or fungus, the moisture content must not exceed 11%. Additionally, while producers can use spices for flavor and aroma, the use of artificial food coloring is now strictly prohibited.

Hygiene is another core focus of the new policy. The Ministry has made it clear that there is zero tolerance for physical contaminants. Inspectors will be looking for traces of sand, hair, insects, or bits of plastic and metal—items that have occasionally been found in poorly processed batches. Even biological waste, such as straw or husk, must be entirely removed.

Finally, the government is demanding better transparency through packaging. All sun-dried lentil dumplings must be sold in “food-grade,” airtight containers to maintain freshness. Each packet must feature a clear label listing every ingredient used, preventing producers from misleading the public about what is inside. These new measures aim to transform a largely unregulated cottage industry into a standardized sector that prioritizes the health and trust of the consumer.

Fiscal Nepal |

Tuesday January 6, 2026, 07:04:45 PM |