The Consumer Court has issued an order to reject the case filed on the allegation of excessive pesticide use in rice. Senior Advocate Vishnu Prasad Timilsina had demanded that rice should only be imported and distributed after pesticide testing according to established standards. A study by Progressive Sustainable Developers revealed pesticide residues in 83 percent of rice samples. (22 Baisakh, Kathmandu)
The Consumer Court dismissed the case lodged against the excessive use of pesticides in rice and other food items. Shrestedar of the Consumer Court, Shishir Lamichhane, issued the order not to register the case two days ago. The lawsuit was filed citing widespread pesticide use in rice and other food products that are part of consumers’ everyday meals.
Senior Advocate Vishnu Prasad Timilsina filed the case on behalf of the Consumer Interest Protection Forum. He alleged that imported rice in Nepal is treated with excessive pesticides and called for regulations ensuring rice is allowed entry and distribution only after completing pesticide testing. Last year, research by Progressive Sustainable Developers identified pesticide contamination in food products.
The petition submitted to the Consumer Court stated that long-term consumption of pesticides could increase the risk of serious diseases such as cancer. This case is also the first collective lawsuit since the establishment of the Consumer Court. The petition demanded action citing health risks to consumers caused by service providers’ negligence and weak regulatory oversight.
