Lahore, The Punjab Food Authority has celebrated World Food Day 2023 by organizing a seminar titled “Food Adulteration Challenges & Way Forward” at Alhamra Art Centre on Monday.
On the occasion, PFA Director General Raja Jahangir Anwar, Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa, senior journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Former Chairman PCSIR Dr Shahzad Alam, Chairman Department of Food Sciences Punjab University Lahore Dr Shinawar Waseem Ali, nutrition expert Dr Ghazala Pervez, Vice Chairman Food Industry Dr Muhammad Nasir and people from different walks of life attended the event.
Addressing the participants during a panel discussion, PFA DG Raja Jahangir said that food safety is as important as food security. He said that reforms are being made in the food industry to provide nutritious food to the people at their doorstep. Along with the provision of nutritious items for children, it is very important to reduce the consumption of junk food, he said.
He further said that a zero-tolerance policy is strictly followed against counterfeiters and adulteration mafia. He also highlighted the importance and role of the media in spreading the public service message.
Commissioner Lahore Division Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that as a nation, we must ensure that we all work together with the food authority to eradicate food adulterants. He said that the district administration is ready to cooperate with the provincial food regulatory body in all ways to ensure the provision of healthy and safe food.
Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami said that the major role behind positive change in the food sector is the competent and honest officers of the PFA. He has appreciated PFA for taking the initiative of calorie labelling on the restaurant menu to make people aware of healthy, nutritious food choices before ordering a meal. For the first time, PFA ensured food business operators display calorie information on menus to make it easy for consumers to make healthier food choices, he added.
On the occasion, other speakers said that we cannot succeed in our mission without research work while local research is very important for the betterment of the food industry. They said that PFA is doing wonderful work to meet international food standards. They said that PFA not only takes action against food points but also listens to their issues at every level which is highly admirable. He highlighted the action of PFA against rancid oil, adulterated milk and spices.
Speakers emphasized students to use their full potential honestly after completing their education because they are assets of this country.
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