December 15: According to hoteliers the quality of food has improved a lot. They said with officials from Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) carrying out regular inspections, the hygiene has also improved.

BAFRA Inspectors visit hotels, restaurants, and grocery and meat shops in Thimphu to ensure that food and food products are safe for consumption. They also monitor the sanitation in food business and the personal hygiene of those who handle food products.

BAFRA Inspectors said the frequency of their inspection depends on the hygiene. They visit restaurants and hotels where the food is prepared hygienically only once a week. They visit business establishments where the health and hygiene standard is not as good thrice a week.

BAFRA Inspectors also inspect the dress code, pest control and the drainage system. BAFRA Inspectors also visit meat shops on a daily basis especially on the arrival of new stock. They check whether the meat products are fit for consumption and issue a certificate.

In the grocery shops, the inspectors check the labeling on the food products to look at the ingredients and manufacturing date.

The Executive Assistant Manager of Druk Hotel said after BAFRA was established there has been a tremendous improvement in personal hygiene. He said food handlers are more conscious of their personal hygiene now.