Microbiological Food Safety and Regulatory Measures in Nepal: Status and Future Directions

Developing nations face higher incidences of foodborne diseases due to substandard food handling practices and inadequate regulatory measures. This publication reviews the prevalence of the most common foodborne pathogens associated with high-risk food commodities in Nepal. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella were consistently reported. Despite inherent variations in prevalence, the occurrence of these pathogens was markedly high in meat, dairy, and street foods. The reported prevalence of E. coli ranged from 31.6 to 100% of meat samples and the prevalence of S. aureus ranged from 7.9% to 80% in various commodities. An alarming number of isolates were resistant to one or more clinically significant antibiotics. This review highlights the need for a multiprong approach to ensure food safety such as addressing water safety, improving the national epidemiological infrastructure and resources, promoting the prudent use of antibiotics, and providing food safety trainer to food workers. Additionally, implementing the Slaughterhouse & Meat Inspection Act of 1999 and the mandatory adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points systems for high-risk commodity producers and processors would likely enhance food safety in Nepal.