Author: WeBajra

The Invisible Threat: Aflatoxins in Your Peanuts

Peanuts – a snack loved worldwide, but hidden within these crunchy delights can be a secret, potentially hazardous to your health. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which can contaminate crops like peanuts, maize, and tree nuts. These toxins, invisible to the naked eye, can creep into peanuts, posing a significant health risk.

Understanding Aflatoxins and Their Impact

Aflatoxins are classified as mycotoxins, a group of naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi. They are known to be carcinogenic, meaning they can contribute to the development of cancer. Long-term exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to liver cancer, particularly in individuals with a hepatitis B infection. Additionally, aflatoxins can cause acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis), which can be fatal in high doses.

How Do Aflatoxins Contaminate Peanuts?

Aflatoxin contamination typically begins in the field, where crops are exposed to environmental factors that favor the growth of Aspergillus fungi. Factors such as high humidity, temperature, and pest damage can increase the likelihood of contamination. The fungi can invade peanuts during growth, harvest, or storage, making it challenging to control without proper measures.

Detecting Aflatoxins: The Role of Zest Laboratories

How do we safeguard against a threat we can’t see? That’s where our expertise at Zest Laboratories becomes your shield. We utilize sophisticated techniques to detect and measure aflatoxins in peanuts, ensuring that your favorite snack remains a healthy choice.

Our laboratory employs advanced testing methods such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to accurately quantify aflatoxin levels in peanuts. These methods are sensitive and precise, capable of detecting even minute traces of aflatoxins.

Comprehensive Approach to Safety

Our team works tirelessly, testing peanuts from various stages, from the fields where they grow to the factories where they’re processed. It’s a comprehensive approach to safety, rooted in science and dedication. This multi-stage testing ensures that contaminated peanuts are identified and removed from the supply chain, reducing the risk to consumers.

Protecting Public Health

Our mission goes beyond testing; we’re protecting public health, one peanut at a time. Aflatoxin contamination not only poses a threat to individual health but also affects the agricultural economy. By ensuring the safety of peanuts, we contribute to the overall well-being of communities and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Ensuring Quality Assurance

So next time you reach for that jar of peanuts, make sure that it is tested for quality assurance in a certified lab like Zest Laboratories. Look for certifications or labels that indicate aflatoxin testing to ensure you’re making a safe choice.

By choosing peanuts that have undergone rigorous quality testing, you protect yourself and your loved ones from the invisible threat of aflatoxins. At Zest Laboratories, we are committed to providing you with the highest standards of food safety, ensuring that your favorite snacks remain safe and healthy.

Conclusion

Aflatoxins are a serious concern in the peanut industry, but with advanced detection methods and dedicated testing, we can mitigate this risk. Zest Laboratories is at the forefront of this effort, working diligently to protect public health and ensure the quality of your food.

By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, we can enjoy our favorite snacks without fear. Remember, safety starts with informed choices – so always opt for tested and certified peanuts.

---

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Aflatoxins
2. World Health Organization (WHO): Mycotoxins
3. National Cancer Institute: Aflatoxins
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): Aflatoxins and Human Health
5. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Aflatoxins
6. PubMed: Detection of Aflatoxins

Shilajit, an ancient substance oozing from the mountain crevices, has been a hidden gem in traditional medicine for centuries. Rich in minerals and reputed for its rejuvenating properties, Shilajit has been used for its health benefits, particularly in the Himalayan regions. However, with modern environmental challenges and the risk of adulteration, ensuring the purity and effectiveness of Shilajit is more crucial than ever.

The Ancient Wonder: Shilajit

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas. It forms over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants and is known for its rich mineral content. Traditionally, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance vitality and promote overall health. Its benefits are numerous, including improving energy levels, supporting cognitive function, and enhancing the immune system .

The Challenge of Modern Pollutants

Despite its ancient origins, Shilajit today faces significant challenges due to modern pollutants and the risk of adulteration. Environmental contaminants can easily seep into the substance, compromising its purity and effectiveness. This raises a critical question: How do we preserve the integrity of something so ancient and revered?

The Role of Zest Laboratories in Shilajit Testing

At Zest Laboratories, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, we are committed to ensuring that Shilajit remains a pure and potent remedy. Our expertise in Shilajit testing involves deploying advanced techniques to detect any impurities. This meticulous process includes analyzing samples for harmful substances and ensuring that the Shilajit reaching consumers is as pure and effective as it was for our ancestors.

Our certified laboratory uses state-of-the-art technology to perform comprehensive quality testing. This includes testing for heavy metals, microbial contamination, and other potential adulterants. By doing so, we safeguard the traditional benefits of Shilajit, ensuring that this ancient remedy remains untainted by modern pollutants .

The Importance of Quality Testing for Shilajit

Quality testing for Shilajit is not just about ensuring safety; it’s about preserving a tradition. Given the increasing demand for natural and traditional remedies, ensuring the authenticity and purity of Shilajit is more important than ever. Consumers need to trust that the product they are using is genuine and free from harmful substances.

At Zest Laboratories, we understand the significance of this trust. Our rigorous testing protocols are designed to maintain the highest standards of quality, ensuring that every batch of Shilajit we test is pure and potent. This commitment to quality helps maintain the integrity of Shilajit as a revered traditional remedy .

Shilajit in Nepal: A Heritage to Protect

Nepal, particularly the Kathmandu region, is at the heart of Shilajit production. The substance is harvested from the high-altitude rocks of the Himalayas, where it has been revered for centuries. Protecting this heritage requires modern scientific techniques to ensure that Shilajit remains pure and effective.

By choosing products tested and certified by reputable laboratories like Zest, consumers can be confident in the safety and efficacy of Shilajit. This ensures that they are receiving the full benefits of this ancient remedy, as intended by traditional practices.

Conclusion

Shilajit is much more than a traditional remedy; it’s a testament to the healing power of nature, honed over centuries. However, maintaining its purity in the face of modern environmental challenges requires advanced testing and quality assurance. At Zest Laboratories in Kathmandu, Nepal, we are dedicated to preserving the integrity of Shilajit through rigorous testing and scientific excellence. By safeguarding this ancient remedy, we ensure that it continues to be a source of wellness for generations to come.

References:

1. Shilajit: A Panacea for High-Altitude Problems – NCBI
2. Traditional Uses and Health Benefits of Shilajit – ResearchGate
3. Testing for Heavy Metals in Ayurvedic Medicines – NIH
4. Microbial Contamination in Herbal Medicines – NCBI

In today’s health-conscious world, every calorie counts and every ingredient is under scrutiny. Cholesterol and fats often receive a bad reputation, leading many to question their place in a healthy diet. However, it’s essential to distinguish facts from myths when it comes to fats. Understanding the different types of fats – saturated, unsaturated, and trans – is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. This is particularly relevant for oils and ghee, staples in many cuisines. Let’s dive into the complex world of fats and understand their impact on our health.

The Different Types of Fats: Saturated, Unsaturated, and Trans Fats

Fats are not created equal. Each type affects our health differently. Saturated fats, commonly found in animal products and certain oils, have been linked to higher cholesterol levels . Unsaturated fats, which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are generally considered beneficial for heart health . These fats are found in foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. On the other hand, trans fats, often found in processed foods, are harmful and linked to various health issues, including heart disease .

Understanding these differences is crucial, especially when choosing oils and ghee for cooking. Oils and ghee, despite their essential roles in many diets, are often scrutinized for their fat content. However, it’s not a simple ‘good’ or ‘bad’ scenario. Each type of fat has a unique impact on health, and making informed choices requires a deeper understanding of these effects.

The Role of Zest Laboratories in Fat Content Testing

At Zest Laboratories, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable information about the fat content in oils and ghee. While we don’t produce these products, our role in ensuring their safety and healthfulness is vital. Through our internationally certified laboratory, we conduct thorough fat content testing. This process involves precision and scientific rigor, analyzing the composition of fats to help demystify which fats are beneficial and which ones should be consumed in moderation.

Our testing protocols are designed to provide clear, actionable insights. By breaking down the fat composition, we offer valuable information that guides consumers in making healthier choices. This is particularly important in Nepal, where traditional cooking often relies heavily on oils and ghee. Ensuring these products are safe and healthy is essential for maintaining public health.

The Importance of Accurate Fat Content Testing

Accurate fat content testing is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps consumers make informed decisions about their diet. Knowing the exact composition of fats in oils and ghee allows individuals to choose products that align with their health goals. Second, it ensures that products meet safety and health standards. In a market where the quality of food products can vary, having a trusted laboratory conduct rigorous testing provides an added layer of assurance .

At Zest Laboratories, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver precise and reliable results. Our advanced technology and expertise enable us to offer comprehensive fat content testing, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fats play a complex role in our diet. Understanding the differences between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats is essential for making healthier choices. Oils and ghee, though often scrutinized, can be part of a balanced diet when chosen wisely. At Zest Laboratories, we are committed to providing the information needed to make these informed decisions. Remember, the choice of oil or ghee is not just a culinary decision; it’s a health choice, informed by science and validated by thorough testing.

---

References:

1. The Different Types of Fats: What You Need to Know – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
2. Trans Fats: What You Should Know – American Heart Association

When we savor our favorite alcoholic beverages, be it a refreshing beer, a fine wine, or a rich whiskey, we often overlook the complex chemistry that defines their very essence. These drinks, staples in celebrations and unwind sessions, carry more than just flavors and traditions; they embody a delicate science that impacts their quality and safety.

The Fine Line Between Ethanol and Methanol

Every beer, wine, or whiskey bottle comes with an alcohol content label. For beer, it’s typically between 3-8%, for wine around 12%, and for spirits like whiskey, it can soar above 40%. This percentage signifies the presence of Ethanol – the alcohol produced during fermentation, known for the enjoyment it brings. However, lurking in the shadows of this process is Methanol, a harmful counterpart of Ethanol. This toxic substance, even in as little as 30ml, poses a significant health risk.

Why Methanol in Alcoholic Beverages is a Concern

The occurrence of Methanol in alcoholic beverages is a critical issue. It’s not just about the unpleasant effects; Methanol can be life-threatening. This reality elevates the importance of precise alcohol testing, a practice especially crucial in regions like Nepal, where the burgeoning alcohol industry is paralleled by a need for stringent quality control. Ensuring that these beverages are Methanol-free is not only a matter of maintaining taste and quality but also of safeguarding public health.

The Role of Quality Assurance and Advanced Testing

In the world of alcoholic beverages, quality assurance is a cornerstone. This is where specialized laboratories like Zest come into play. Equipped with advanced technology and accredited facilities, these labs are not just testing grounds but guardians of safety. They conduct meticulous testing to quantify the Ethanol and identify any traces of Methanol, thus ensuring the beverages are safe for consumption.

The Importance of Testing in the Alcohol Industry

Testing in the alcohol industry is vital for several reasons. It upholds industry standards, ensures compliance with legal alcohol content requirements, and fosters consumer trust. In a country like Nepal, where traditional brewing methods are widespread, such testing becomes even more critical. It ensures that these local brewing practices, often passed down through generations, produce safe and high-quality beverages.

Making Informed Choices as Consumers

As consumers, understanding the intricacies of alcohol production and the importance of quality assurance is essential. When choosing an alcoholic drink, it’s not just the brand or flavor that should guide your decision, but also the assurance of its safety and quality. Opting for products that have undergone rigorous testing and certification by reputable laboratories ensures that your choice is not only enjoyable but also responsible.

Conclusion

The next time you indulge in a beer, wine, or whiskey, take a moment to appreciate the science and meticulous care that goes into ensuring its quality and safety. Laboratories dedicated to alcohol testing play a crucial role in the industry, providing the assurance that each sip is as safe as it is enjoyable. Remember, behind every delightful drink is a world of scientific rigor and dedication to quality, ensuring that your moments of relaxation and celebration are backed by the highest standards of safety.

When most people think of cannabis, their minds often go straight to its psychoactive effects, thanks to THC. However, there’s a lot more to this versatile plant than meets the eye. Cannabis has a rich profile of compounds that extend far beyond recreational use, offering significant therapeutic benefits. This is a story worth telling, especially for those curious about the true potential of cannabis in the medical world.

The Dual Identity of Cannabis

Cannabis is widely known for THC, the compound that produces the ‘high’ effect. However, it also contains CBD (Cannabidiol), which has garnered attention for its impressive medical properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a high, making it an appealing option for those seeking relief without the psychoactive effects . CBD is being celebrated in the medical community for its potential to treat a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to epilepsy .

Cannabis Medication: The Benefits

So, does cannabis have benefits beyond its recreational use? Absolutely. Research has shown that cannabis, particularly CBD, has the potential to alleviate symptoms of various ailments. For instance, it has been found effective in reducing chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters . Moreover, CBD has shown promise in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. In fact, the FDA has approved a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy .

The Role of Quality and Safety in Cannabis Products

Ensuring the benefits of cannabis can be safely harnessed requires meticulous quality control. This is where Zest Laboratories comes in. Our role in the cannabis industry is critical. We don’t produce cannabis products, but we ensure their quality and safety through rigorous testing. Our internationally accredited facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling us to analyze cannabis compounds accurately. This ensures that medicinal cannabis products maintain the perfect balance needed for therapeutic use.

Cannabis in Nepal: An Emerging Industry

The cannabis industry in Nepal is gaining momentum. With the growing interest in its medicinal properties, there is an increasing demand for high-quality, safe cannabis products. In such a rapidly developing sector, the importance of reliable testing cannot be overstated. At Zest Laboratories, we are committed to supporting the cannabis industry in Nepal by providing top-notch quality assurance services. Our expertise ensures that the cannabis products reaching consumers are not only effective but also safe for consumption.

The Importance of Testing for Safety and Efficacy

The complexity of cannabis means that its potential benefits can only be realized through precise analysis and quality control. At Zest Laboratories, our rigorous testing protocols are designed to ensure that every cannabis product is free from contaminants and contains the correct balance of therapeutic compounds. This meticulous process helps in unlocking the plant’s full potential while guaranteeing consumer safety.

Conclusion

Cannabis is much more than a recreational substance. Its therapeutic potential is vast, thanks to compounds like CBD. However, to harness these benefits safely and effectively, rigorous testing and quality assurance are essential. At Zest Laboratories, we are dedicated to ensuring that cannabis products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. So, the next time you think about cannabis, remember that it’s not just a source of recreation but also a powerful tool for healing, backed by science and stringent testing.

References:

Cannabidiol (CBD) – What we know and what we don’t – Harvard Health Publishing
Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain – National Center for Biotechnology Information
Cannabinoids in Health and Disease – National Center for Biotechnology Information
FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy – FDA

Food can get microbial contamination anytime and anywhere – while it is being grown, processed, packaged, stored or made.

What is microbial contamination?

Microbes are universal and found everywhere. Some are harmless and some are harmful. All food you eat is prone to microbial contamination at every stage before being eaten. Contaminated food and water when ingested can cause food-borne diseases that can be toxic and infectious in nature. Most common include Staphylococcus and E. coli which can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, kidney failure and other infections. Others like Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can cause a host of illnesses.

Where do these microbes come from?

The microbes are either already in the food or added in through the environment during food processing or handling. The possibility of contamination from soil, air and water is very high, including human and animal waste. Hence hygiene of the farm, processing plant and food preparation area is very important. Also stale and improperly stored foods are highly susceptible to bear microbial contamination.

Sometimes the food is already contaminated, for example animal products like meat. When an animal shows slight sign of illness, they are immediately slaughtered and sent to market due to unethical processing practice. Instead of following a quarantine procedure and screening other animals, sick animals are immediately re-purposed and sent to the market to avoid losing money. Hence the adoption and regulation of good manufacturing practice is proving increasingly important.

Instead of following a quarantine procedure and screening other animals, sick animals are immediately repurposed and sent to the market to avoid losing money.

What kind of foods are prone to microbial contamination?

All kinds of food are prone to contamination depending on the way they are produced, processed, stored and handled. These are some major food groups that could be considered most likely for contamination.  

• Processed food and street food:

The most contaminated food are those that require direct handling of the food by hand, for example street food. In one study, all tested street food items from an area in Kathmandu showed they carried some sort of bacterial contamination. Very few food handlers in Nepal receive training in hygiene and understand the source of contamination and the correlation between food handling and illness. Similarly, processed food on the shelves of grocery stores are prone to contamination too. As customers, we opt to equate attractive packaging with food quality. However, it is pertinent on adoption of good manufacturing and processing practices. Without it, there is high likelihood that the food was processed or manufactured in a subpar and unhygienic environment. Especially since there is low surveillance on food, diary and water industries, it poses serious threat to consumer health.

• Fresh vegetables:

Fresh vegetables are prone to get easily contaminated from the soil it’s grown in, water and its environment. Fresh vegetables make a huge part of the Nepali diet. Fresh vegetables and foods that are eaten raw and without peeling gives a huge opportunity for parasitic transmission. That is why cleaning it using clean water thoroughly and properly is very important.

Fresh vegetables that are eaten raw or without peeling can lead to food borne illnesses

Source

• Water:

Although washing thoroughly can rid of microbial contamination to a certain extent, the interesting thing is that untreated and contaminated water could very well be the source of contamination. Also the water problems in the valley makes it difficult to maintain personal and commercial hygiene. Even bottled drinking water that are marketed as filtered and treated have microbial contamination. In a study, it was reported that among bottled drinking water that were tested 90% of samples showed microbial contamination above acceptable range.

Interestingly microbial contamination can also be present in herbal medicines. Many Nepalese consider ayurvedic medicines as better than allopathic medicines. But herbal medicines have a huge risk for contamination due to inappropriate storage, hygiene at ayurvedic clinics and minimum regulation. Herbal remedies could actually lead to serious health problems instead of relieving current ailments.

How does it affect my health?

Microbial contamination is a serious concern for public health. Food borne diarrheal illness kills more than 2 million people each year worldwide, especially children. Other conditions include typhoid, brucellosis, food poisoning, dysentery and diarrhea, even brain and neural disorders. Food borne illness continues to be the significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal, especially with the proliferation of fast food cafes, restaurants and eating-out culture.
The situation is made worse by the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance. The increasing incidence of antibiotics fed to animals which when becomes our food, leads to antibiotic resistance in our body over time. In the actual incidence of illness caused by microbial contamination, prescribed antibiotic medications do not work. Secondly the microbes in the food could be a resistant strain that does not respond to our immunity.

The increasing incidence of antibiotics fed to animals which when becomes our food, leads to antibiotic resistance in our body over time. In the actual incidence of illness caused by microbial contamination, prescribed antibiotic medications do not work.

What could be done?

It is important to ensure hygiene and cleanliness during the many stages of food processing and handling to prevent microbial contamination. Two most important concerns include:

• Increased hygiene consciousness: Hygiene consciousness is not big in Nepal, not just with the food producers and handlers, but consumers as well. It may be due to lack of knowledge or negligence there is very little consumer motivation to seek confirmation that their food is treated with regulation. In recent past, there have been instances when food from popular restaurants were found to have faecal contamination . Even with such recorded evidence, the businesses still continue to get multitude of customers. With no pressure from the customers, there is no motivation for government to put regulations in place.
• Good Manufacturing Practices: GMP is an approach that ensures that products produced are consistent in quality. Unhygienic and badly managed manufacturing and processing practice is rampant in Nepal. In a recent study, 43% of raw milk samples collected from milk collection centers were found to have microbial contamination. With the adoption and regulation of Good Manufacturing Practice and certification of businesses, the risk could be mitigated to a large extent.
• Mandatory Food Testing: Food testing establishes the credency of the quality of your product. It is a great way to earn customer trust. While it might be an incredible undertaking for the government to establish mandatory and regular food testing right away, but it will be useful to set safety parameters for all types of food, water, diary, agricultural products.   

How can I make sure that my food at home is protected?

• Wash thoroughly. Cook thoroughly.
• Before handling food, while eating or cooking, wash your hands properly.
• Store food in a cooler environment since high heat environment aides the growth of microbes.
• Don’t drink water that you know is untreated or filtered.
• Ensure that the water that you are using is pure and treated. Inquire about the quality of water that comes to your house.
• Discard and do not consume food that shows any obvious  sign of deterioration or smell.

Condoms are not domestically produced in Nepal, they are procured internationally. But are they quality tested after they have arrived in Nepal?

Condoms in briefSocial marketing has made most of us aware of condom use and the protection it offers. A condom can protect against pregnancy up to 98% of the time. Male condoms are also the only contraceptive method that has proven to provide various levels of risk reduction against sexually transmitted infections. Laboratory studies have shown that latex condoms provide an effective barrier against even the smallest STI pathogens.

With the global AIDS outbreak, internationally backed projects and key drivers like Nepal Contraceptive Retail Sales (CRS), has increased distribution of condoms.

Condom distribution in NepalIn Nepal, treatment coverage for conditions like HIV and STIs is low, so it becomes all the more important to focus on preventive and protective measures like condoms. Before the 1990s, condoms were solely distributed through primary healthcare centers and other frontline health institutions in Nepal, mostly for family planning. With the global AIDS outbreak, internationally backed projects and key drivers like Nepal Contraceptive Retail Sales (CRS), has increased distribution of condoms and also increased discussion around STD and family planning which until then were severely taboo subjects.

Condoms in huge numbers in Nepal

There are many projects that have been working in Nepal for several years to decrease HIV prevalence and encourage family planning. Saath-Saath project distributed 30 million condoms in Nepal from 2011 to 2016 in 33 districts in Nepal. It makes up a total of 100 million condoms distributed by USAID funded projects in Nepal. Similarly, Ghar Ghar Ma Swasthya (Healthy Homes) is a large scale project focussed on improving access to health products like contraceptives in hard to reach areas. With social marketing and behavior change communication, people themselves have become aware of using condoms. It has resulted in a huge demand for condoms.

Where do these condoms come from?

Condoms are not produced domestically in Nepal. Enterprises and nonprofits procure condoms from international manufacturers in countries including China, Malaysia, India, and Thailand. UNFPA, the biggest global buyer of condoms has a prequalified list of manufacturers that fulfill set requirements and qualifications. Even if the condoms are tested pre-shipment and adhere to good manufacturing practices, the condoms are shipped or sent through various methods of transport. Like any other commodity, there is a risk of damage during shipping and storage. In this scenario, it is crucial to conduct third-party testing post shipment. Interestingly in Nepal, there is neither regulation nor evidence about third-party monitoring and testing of imported condoms.  

What is post-shipment condom testing?

Shipping and improper storage could cause wear and tear to condoms. Hence condom testing is carried out to ensure that it adheres to set regulations. While the quantity, labeling, packaging materials, and markings can be checked to see if it is compliant with the requirements of the purchase order, laboratories can test the quality of the condom. These can be many like air burst tests, tensile property tests, dimension tests, leakage tests, package integrity tests, and lubricant tests.

Condom inflation test. There are many types of methods used to check condom quality.

Source

Why is post-shipment condom testing important?

A condom is a commodity and like any commodity in the market, it is crucial to ensure its quality. It is especially crucial because it is used for family planning and protecting against STIs. A substandard product leads to grave consequences, that range from getting infected from sexually transmitted infections and getting pregnant with an unplanned child. With this, it would seem very necessary that post-shipment quality assurance of condoms is given the highest priority. However, it is unfortunately not the case in Nepal.

A substandard product leads to grave consequences, that range from getting infected from sexually transmitted infections and getting pregnant with an unplanned child.

Is there any evidence of the consequences of substandard condoms?

While there have been international incidences of substandard condoms that were shipped, it is very difficult to gather evidence about the consequences of damaged condoms. It is a very personal and sensitive subject to broach, which makes it difficult to monitor condom use. Also, there are many reasons why condom use still could lead to pregnancy or infections, whether it is improper use, substandard quality or exposure through other areas of the body.

How is the situation internationally?

Each country has its own regulation regarding post-shipment condom testing. UNFPA recommends post shipment testing only when there is any evidence of damage. And the condoms are procured from a pre-qualified list of manufacturers that adhere to the requirements of most recent editions of the WHO/UNFPA specifications. In Nepal, considering the number of condoms that are imported from manufacturers from all over the world and in various shipping and storage conditions, post-shipment condom testing is crucial.

Post-shipment quality testing: Giving it due importance in Nepal

Apart from rising costs, there are many reasons for lack of motivation at various levels about post-shipment condom testing:

• Policy level: While there are national policies that cover post-shipment testing of some food commodities, currently there is no policy that talks about post-shipment monitoring and testing of condoms.
• Procurement level: Companies like Nepal Contraceptive Retail Sales, which has become synonymous to family planning and sexual health in Nepal, has no evidence of conducting post-shipment condom testing. It is crucial that key drivers initiate conversations about condom testing as a crucial part of the process at quality assurance.
• Consumer level: Consumers directly trust condoms with quality and protection. With this assumption, there is low consumer motivation to ask and inquire about the quality of the product they use.
• Lack of testing laboratories: Zest Laboratories is the only internationally accredited company in Nepal well equipped to conduct quality testing of condoms.

What is in your water?

Source

Let’s talk about water- that comes to your home, that you buy bottled or that comes in a tanker. We equate water with purity. But even clear water can be ridden with contamination. These contaminants are not visible to the eye. Water is used for various reasons like cleaning, drinking, preparing food, irrigation and farming and use of unsafe water can cause a lot of secondary contamination. Even harmless activities like teeth brushing or washing food with contaminated water can cause infection.

Especially in the context of Nepal, where water scarcity and access to drinking water is a big problem in both urban and rural areas, water quality usually takes a back seat, whether it is for public or private water providers or consumers.

In Nepal, water scarcity and inadequate water supply coupled with low surveillance of water quality has lead to widespread delivery and consumption of unsafe water.

What is clean water?

According to WaterAid, minimum quality standards for drinking water dictate that it should be free from disease-causing pathogens, contain no chemicals that may cause health hazards and free from suspended solids, any color, smell, and taste.

The water that comes to my house or that I buy- is it clean and safe?

Depends. In Nepal, water scarcity and inadequate water supply coupled with low surveillance of water quality has lead to widespread delivery and consumption of unsafe water. It is a major public health concern since water-borne diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. For accurate analysis, water sample needs to be tested.  

So, why is the water contaminated?

Contamination of sources

Rapid population growth, open defecation, use of pesticides and fertilizers, unsanitary disposal of wastes and other human activities, has caused most of the water sources to become polluted. Whether it is surface water like springs, rivers, and lakes and groundwater from wells and pumps, they are getting polluted due to human activities.

Contaminated water bodies.

Source

Closely placed water and sewage pipes

In many urban areas, water supply pipes and sewage lines are laid in the same place. Broken sewage and water pipes can cause contamination. Furthermore, contamination of piped water is attributed to intermittent supply of water. During the stoppage of supply, sewage water from the sewage pipe laid parallel or crossing each other or from the surrounding environment with poor sanitation enters into the drinking water pipe.

Inadequate treatment and storage

Improper treatment of water before distribution and poor hygienic storage practice also contribute in the contamination of drinking water. In a study, it was found out of 46 tap water samples, 37 contained microbial contamination and out of 218 samples of treated water, 79 contained microbial contamination.

A water quality test can show the presence of contaminants and will inform appropriate quality measures and treatment actions thats needs to be taken.

What kinds of contaminants are found in water and how does it affect my health?

In the context of Nepal, the following two are high-risk contaminants:

• Microbial contamination:

Microbial contamination is a major cause of public health concern and cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. Consumption of drinking water contaminated with human and animal excreta is the major cause of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever, hepatitis, and others. It is caused by contamination by pathogenic bacteria, virus, parasites.

Even bottled drinking water that are marketed as filtered and treated have microbial contamination in the recent past. Among many studies conducted, one reported that 90% of samples of bottled drinking water showed microbial contamination above the acceptable range. In another study, 93.7% of open well water samples were found to contain fecal coliforms (bacteria found in intestines of warm-blooded animals like humans). Throughout different studies, whether it is closed piped water, natural spout water, they all were found to have fecal coliforms at different levels.

• Heavy metal and chemical contamination:

Contamination from lead, arsenic, iron, nitrate and ammonia and their presence beyond permissible limits is associated with many health risks. Their presence in water cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste. It can only be detected through lab tests. Increased urbanization and industrialization are to be blamed for an increased level of trace metals.  Especially groundwater like tube wells can have a high likelihood of heavy metal contamination. Acidic rain breaking down soils also releases heavy metals into streams, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

Heavy metal and chemical toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes and may even cause cancer. Lead and mercury exact their most devastating toll on the developing brain.

Can these contaminants be removed?

There are many effective and easily available methods for treatment, filtration and disinfection to remove contaminants in water. The main concern is low and infrequent surveillance about water quality. A water quality test can show the presence of contaminants and will inform appropriate quality measures and treatment actions that needs to be taken. These tests can be conducted at çertified and well-equipped laboratories like Zest Laboratories.

Over time, a more stringent approach to implementing water quality has urged private water industries to ensure the quality of their products, however there is still more work to be done.

What about private water industries?

Use of bottled, jar and tanker water, whether for domestic or commercial use, has consistently increased in Nepal. With increased consumption, there should be increased monitoring and surveillance of water quality, however, it is not the case. In a study conducted on bottled mineral water of different brands in the market, a staggering 59.7% of the samples were found to have microbial contamination from fecal matter. In some instances, monitoring revealed that mineral water factories had poor and unacceptable quality maintenance and were sealed off by authorities. Over time, a more stringent approach to implementing water quality has urged private water industries to ensure the quality of their products, however, there is still more work to be done.

Are there laws and policy for water quality in Nepal?

Over years government and stakeholders have given much priority and initiated frequent conversations about water supply and water quality. The government has clearly defined water quality standards and directives for water suppliers to assess water quality. It lists parameters and frequency of testing for various urban, rural, commercial and non-commercial water providers. Water Aid has clear recommendations for water quality testing for water from various sources and mode of supply. Although there are many governing water laws, the problem is limited execution and monitoring of these laws and directives. Various studies have shown evidence of the presence of contaminants in various kinds of water samples. With low surveillance, private and public water providers will not be motivated to put measures in place to ensure water quality or water treatment options. Hence the push needs to come from the government.