On his birthday, the Chairman of the organisation I am working highlighting the vital role of quality, nutritious food. He emphasized that what we eat forms the bedrock of a long, healthy, and fulfilling life, directly impacting our physical well-being and overall quality of life. What a beautiful message to share on the birthday!
In Nepal, the meal of dal bhat — rice with lentil soup — has long been considered a complete and nourishing food. It’s simple, satisfying, and deeply rooted in our culture. But when we take a closer look, we begin to see gaps in nutrition — especially when it comes to protein. And even more worrying is the quality and safety of the food that does make it to our plates.
Most Nepalese families depend heavily on rice and lentils for daily nourishment. While lentils provide some protein, the portions are often small. And other sources of protein — like meat, eggs, milk, or nuts — are either too expensive or not easily available in many parts of the country.
But even when meat and other protein-rich foods are consumed, there’s another serious issue we rarely talk about: food safety.
Walk through many neighborhoods — even in cities like Kathmandu — and you’ll see meat shops that are open to dust, smoke, flies, and pollution. The animals are often slaughtered in unhygienic conditions, without proper sanitation or health checks. There’s little regulation or inspection. In such environments, even the most nutritious food can become a health hazard.
People may think they are eating meat for strength, but when that meat is stored improperly or handled in unclean spaces, it brings risk of infections, foodborne diseases, and even loss of nutrition. The result? We not only fall short on protein intake — we also put our health at greater risk.
The same problem exists in many local eateries and bakeries. From cheap snacks to baked goods sold on roadside stalls, food is often prepared or displayed in the open air, with no regard for cleanliness. Kitchens are rarely inspected, and expired or low-quality ingredients are sometimes used without consequence.
As we all know, even well-known restaurants and bakeries may not always follow food safety standards. What’s sold as “protein-rich” or “nutritious” is often just a mixture of flour, sugar, and artificial flavoring — with little real value.
In urban households, a new problem is emerging. As lifestyles get busier, people are turning to instant noodles, processed snacks, and packaged foods. These products are widely available but often go unmonitored. Labels may be misleading, and ingredients can be of questionable quality.
These processed foods may fill us up, but they lack good-quality protein. Worse, they may contain harmful additives, preservatives, and excess salt or sugar. Over time, they contribute to obesity, poor digestion, and nutritional deficiencies, while giving a false sense of being “fed.”
Even when we try to eat right, unsafe and low-quality food takes a toll on our health. For children and pregnant women — who need more protein — this can have lifelong consequences. Poor growth, low immunity, fatigue, and even mental fog can be linked to long-term protein deficiency and unsafe eating habits.
When protein-rich food is either unaffordable or unsafe, families are left with limited options — often relying solely on rice and a thin dal, or processed snacks that don’t support real health.
Good nutrition is not just about what we eat — it’s also about how clean and safe that food is. Protein is essential for our body, but it must come from reliable, hygienic, and nutritious sources. A strong, healthy Nepal starts with safe food on every plate. Let’s demand better standards, make informed choices, and move toward a food culture that nourishes — not just fills — our lives.