November 19: The Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology has stopped the production and sale of cement of Maruti Cement, United Cement and Jagadamba Cement, after their products were found to be of substandard quality.

Issuing a press statement, the bureau informed that it has halted production and sale of OPC cement of Maruti Cement and United Cement and PPC cement of Jagadamba Cement.

According to the bureau, it had collected samples of OPC Grade 43 cement produced by Siraha-based Maruti Cement for inspection and found that the quality of the sample was not on par with the required standard.

The department has directed the company to bring back the cement from the market and submit a written explanation within 15 days.

Similarly, the OPC Grade 53 cement produced by Dhading-based United Cement also does not meet the required standard, according to the bureau.

The department has also sought clarification from the industry within 15 days and ordered to bring back its products from the market.

Similarly, the quality of PPC cement produced by Rupandehi-based Jagadamba Cement was also not as per the required standard.

Jagadamba Cement has also been asked to give a written explanation within 15 days and stop the sale of PPC cement.