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In a department meeting at the PFA head office earlier this week, Sardar described food adulterators as ‘not deserving of any leniency’.“[Although] PFA is already active against food adulteration, [even stricter] implementation of PFA laws [will ensue] during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak,” he told local media. PFA Director-General Captain (R) Muhammad Usman Younas has already prepared for such an initiative, having directed PFA officers and heads of the various departments to prepare round-the-clock duty schedules in preparation for Ramadan, which begins on May 5.Additionally, special teams to monitor for ‘suspicious activities’ during the sehri (pre-dawn meal before starting fast) and iftar (evening meal after breaking fast) timings will be formed.“The teams will [also] visit the Ramadan bazaars and all food points [to conduct thorough inspections],” said Muhammad Usman.“All [adulterators of food products] will be dealt with an iron hand.”Punjab pasteurisation policyDuring the meeting, Sardar was also briefed on the upcoming pasteurisation policy to be enforced by PFA in Punjab. The policy is now in its final stages of preparation, along with what looks set to be a ban on the sale of loose milk. According to PFA, the policy is expected to ‘help authorities meet international standards, and to curb the sale of adulterated milk’.“[We] are elucidating [the policy] to make [sure that it is] also beneficial for small farmers, as well as making comprehensive plans to ensure the provision of [safe and economical milk for consumers],” said Punjab Food Minister Samiullah Chaudry in an official statement. |
