SFA Focuses on Public Health, Harmful Practices, and Accountability

Officers from all districts of Karachi participated

in the session to address pressing issues

related to food safety and public health

Staff Reporter

Karachi: A crucial meeting of the Sindh Food Authority (SFA) was held under the leadership of Abdul Jabbar Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Food. Officers from all districts of Karachi participated in the session to address pressing issues related to food safety and public health.

Crackdown on Harmful Spices and Open Cooking Oil

Abdul Jabbar Khan emphasized that harmful spices pose serious health risks, including cancer and other diseases. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current performance of the Food Authority, questioning why banned open and harmful cooking oil is still being sold. He directed the authority to simplify the licensing process and immediately ensure the registration of businesses.

Key Directives Issued

The Special Assistant outlined several actions to improve food safety:

• Regular Monitoring: Monthly performance reports must be submitted.
• Quality Checks: Expiration dates of food items, along with the quality of meat, fish, and other goods in hotels and restaurants, must be thoroughly inspected.
• RO Plants Regulation: Licensing and testing of water from RO plants should be prioritized to ensure public safety.
• Milk Supply Evaluation: Entry points to Karachi must be monitored for milk testing. Harmful milk should be discarded immediately, and sellers should face FIRs and arrests.

Ensuring Accountability and Public Safety

Abdul Jabbar Khan stressed that the Food Authority Lab at Karachi University must handle all testing, ensuring reliability and transparency. He also directed the officers to check the medical certificates of all employees working in bakeries, hotels, and restaurants.

Strict Compliance and Daily Inspections

To enhance accountability, Abdul Jabbar Khan instructed that:

1. A deposit report must be submitted every three months without fail.
2. Daily inspections should be conducted to eliminate negligence in food safety standards.

This meeting underscores the Sindh government’s commitment to ensuring food safety and protecting public health through stringent measures and accountability.