Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has called for nationwide controls on food quality following a review of a report by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR). The report unveiled significant non-conformities in Banaspati ghee, edible oils, and milk products. The National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting also addressed concerns over discrepancies between notified and market prices of LPG.

According to Press Information Department, the PCSIR analyzed 491 samples collected from various provinces, revealing excessive trans-fat levels in Banaspati ghee samples, deficiencies in Vitamin A, and other quality issues. In edible oils, similar deficiencies were found, while milk products showed substandard fat and protein levels. Ahsan Iqbal expressed deep concern over these findings, linking substandard food products to health issues like early deaths and heart attacks.

Iqbal directed the establishment of a comprehensive national framework for food quality assurance, urging collaboration with Provincial Food Authorities to enforce regulations and take action against manufacturers of non-conforming products. The PCSIR report is to be shared with the Ministry of National Food Security & Research for further action, and a quarterly monitoring system will be implemented.

During discussions on LPG pricing, Ahsan Iqbal noted the absence of effective price monitoring mechanisms, which affects the 80 percent of the population relying on LPG for cooking. He tasked the Ministry of Petroleum and OGRA with resolving this issue promptly. The Minister emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among federal and provincial bodies to ensure food safety and consumer protection nationwide.