Govt sets mandatory quality standards for Oats, Citing consumer health and safety

KATHMANDU: In a move aimed at strengthening consumer health and food safety, the government has introduced mandatory quality standards for rolled oats, exercising authority under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081 (2024).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development published a notice in the Nepal Gazette, formally setting new national standards for rolled oats, quick-cooking oats, and ready-to-eat oats sold in the market.

According to the ministry, the regulation will come into mandatory nationwide effect from the 91st day after the gazette notification.

Under the newly defined standards, rolled oats must be produced from clean and hygienic grains, processed through de-husking, steaming, rolling, flattening, or roasting using appropriate methods.

The ministry has stressed that oats must be fully safe for human consumption and remain within clearly defined technical parameters to protect public health.

As per the quality benchmarks, the maximum moisture content in rolled oats has been capped at 12 percent, while protein content must be at least 10 percent on a dry-weight basis.

The standards also limit crude fiber and total ash content to a maximum of 2 percent each, ensuring nutritional consistency and product integrity.

To address risks linked to foodborne toxins, the government has imposed strict limits on harmful substances. The maximum permissible level of aflatoxin—a toxin linked to serious health risks—has been fixed at 15 micrograms per kilogram.

Similarly, uric acid content must not exceed 100 milligrams per kilogram, and total mycotoxins have been capped at the same aflatoxin threshold.

The standards further regulate chemical quality, specifying that alcoholic acidity, calculated as sulfuric acid in 90 percent alcohol, must not exceed 0.18 percent. These controls are intended to prevent spoilage and reduce long-term health risks to consumers.

In terms of hygiene, the use of any artificial coloring in oats has been strictly prohibited. The product must retain its natural taste and aroma, and the presence of inorganic contaminants such as stones, sand, glass, plastic, or metal fragments is fully banned.

Likewise, biological contaminants, including hair, husk, bran, insects, or rodent remains, are strictly prohibited.

The ministry has also issued clear instructions on production, packaging, handling, and storage, requiring manufacturers to maintain high sanitation standards throughout the supply chain.

Rolled oats must be sealed in clean, dry, food-grade packaging, and improper storage or handling will be considered a violation.

On labeling, producers and sellers are required to clearly disclose all information mandated by the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081, enabling consumers to make informed choices and trace product accountability.

According to the notice issued by Ministry Secretary Dr Rajendra Prasad Mishra, strict legal action will be taken against any producer or trader found violating the prescribed quality and safety standards.

Officials say the new regulation is designed to curb the circulation of substandard and potentially hazardous food products, as oat consumption rises in Nepal due to growing health awareness, and to ensure that consumer safety remains a top national priority.