ISLAMABAD, Mar 8 (APP): Directorate of Health, Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Tueady seized 1289 below standard food articles including juices, packed spices and edible oil besides fake brands of soft drinks.Moreover, the CDA also seized outdated milk packets.When contacted, Director General Health (CDA) said they were working on scientific ways to check food adulteration in the capital.
He said the main reason for food adulteration continues unabated due to meager amount of Rs 500 which is taken in the name of fine, in case of infringements. “The amount is so scanty that nobody takes care and food adulteration keeps on increasing,” said Dr. Hassan.
Citing details he said, legislation is underway and once the law is revised and cabinet approves, it will be implemented and situation and things will definitly improve in the capital city.
The revised law recommends imposition of Rs. 50,000 as fine in case of food adulteration.“We are working on scientific methods and first inspect, then issue notice and lastly issue challan, in case sub standard food items are being sold.”
Directorate of Health collects food items as samples which are subsequently sent to National Institute of Health (NIH) for analysis, he went on to add.
He stated that anually 1400 samples of different food items are collected during a year and after analysis 10 % of them were found adultrated or substandard. Besides this 300 milk samples and 265 water samples were also found below standard or contaminated, he added.
Warning notices issued were almost 1900 and in other 342 cases the responsible were challaned under pure food ordinance, he said.
Replying to a question Dr Hassan confirmed that canteens of some schools do sale unhygienic food items which are disastrous for health of the kids.
Vice Principal of a private school, Muhammad Saleem rejected that there was any complaint about sale of substandard food items being offered at the school’s canteen stating that they have a medical doctor who regularly checks the food items sold at the canteen.
“We are aware how much the health of a younger one is important and we cannot allow anyone to play with the health of younger ones,” he added.
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