The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has introduced mandatory hygiene and quality standards for gundruk, a traditional fermented Nepali food. Under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2024, the use of metal containers such as iron, aluminum, copper, or brass during fermentation is prohibited. The standards require gundruk to be free from contaminants such as mold, insects, stones, hair, and plastic. It must also meet strict chemical limits, including moisture below 12% and zero E. coli presence. Packaging and labeling requirements now include food-grade materials and clear identification of the type of greens used.
