Abstract

Food safety and quality control system is far from satisfactory in the country. Food standards aim at protecting consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. Food standards include standards for all the principle foods, whether processed or semi processed or raw for distribution to the consumers. It includes provisions in respect of food hygiene, food additives, pesticide residues, contaminants, labeling, presentation, method of analysis and sampling. The current food standards are based on the West Pakistan Food Ordinance 1960 and Pure Food Rules (PFRs) 1965, amendments made from time to time. The PFRs were revised/updated by the Punjab government in 2007 and finalized in 2011. The PFRs consolidates and amends the laws in relation to preparation and sale of food. Pakistan Hotel and Restaurant Act 1976 applies to all hotels and restaurants and seeks to control and regulate the rates and standards of services rendered by them. Since food is provincial subject therefore enforcement of legislation rest with the provincial health departments. All provinces including Northern areas adopted these laws with certain amendments. The Cantonment areas have separate food laws, functioning under Pure Food Act 1996. The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) former Pakistan Standard Institution was established in 1996 and became functional in December 2000. PSQCA has formulated Sectional Committees for framing different food quality safety standards; these Committees revised and updated the existing standards at regular intervals. Pakistan as a member of International Organization of Standardization (ISO) continues to harmonize standards according to international requirements. Food Laboratories play a vital role in the quality control, regulatory and safety measures. The existing food testing laboratories need up gradation in terms of latest equipment, human resource development and PFRs in light of International Standards to ensure fair trade practices.