Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob Uz Zaman, in his special message on World Food Safety Day on Sunday, said that safe and quality food was the fundamental right of every citizen and the Sindh government was taking comprehensive measures to ensure the availability of healthy, safe and quality food for the public.
He stated that there would be no compromise on food quality and actions against food adulteration mafia, hoarders and sellers of substandard food products would be intensified to protect consumers from unsafe and unhealthy food items.
The food minister said safe food was not only the foundation of a healthy society but it also played a vital role in building a strong economy. He emphasised that strict compliance with food safety standards was essential at every stage of the food supply chain, including production, storage, transportation and distribution.
Zaman maintained that the Sindh food department, in collaboration with relevant institutions, was actively working to monitor food quality, strengthen food safety mechanisms and safeguard public health. He urged the citizens to promote the use of safe and quality food, and to immediately report any suspicious or substandard food products to the authorities concerned so that timely action could be taken.
He said that under the vision of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, practical measures were being implemented across the province to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to the people. He added that initiatives aimed at strengthening food security, public welfare and public health were also being pursued in line with the public service agenda of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Highlighting the significance of the day, the food minister said World Food Safety Day was observed globally on June 7 under the auspices of the United Nations to raise awareness about food safety and public health. He noted that promoting food security and preventing food-borne diseases had become critical priorities in the modern world and required collective efforts from the governments, private sector, food businesses and consumers alike.
World Food Safety Day served as an important reminder of our collective and individual responsibilities towards ensuring food safety and protecting public health, Zaman said, adding that the Sindh government would continue to strengthen measures aimed at improving food quality standards, enhancing food safety systems and ensuring the provision of safe, nutritious and quality food to all citizens to build a healthier, safer and more prosperous society.
