Kathmandu, June 9 – After a hue and cry by pro-Tibet activists over the widespread sale of Chinese toys during Christmas, Chinese chocolates are leaving a bitter taste now.
Nepalese chocolate makers are asking the government to crack down on illegally imported chocolate from China that is giving the indigenous product a stiff run because of its moderately priced.
Their anger is directed towards a brand called “Roonyu” that is available in three categories, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
They say the chocolates that reach Nepal are often past the expiry date and do not carry labels in Nepalese and English, as is mandatory by the law of the land, the Kathmandu Post reported.
The labels are only in Chinese, which prevents buyers from realising this.
A member of the Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) is also alleging that distributors evade import duty. FNCCI member A. Shrestha has asked the government to take action.
The daily said the Chinese chocolate was doing brisk trade till outrage by local entrepreneurs forced it out.
Now it is being sold in the country’s west. According to the daily, a consumer forum has filed a complaint against illegally imported chocolates.
