Strategies for Enhancing Food Safety-A Policy Appraisal in Punjab, Pakistan

  • Ghulam Mustafa Dogar Punjab Revenue Authority, Pakistan
  • Shazia Yaqoob Punjab Food Authority, Pakistan
Keywords: food processing, food regulations, food safety, Punjab Food Authority, policy appraisal, strategy

Abstract

Abstract Views: 0

Ensuring the security and safety of the food supply across Pakistan is a complex challenge that demands continual evaluation as well as robust policy responses. This policy paper outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges to enhance food safety across the province of Punjab, Pakistan. In this regard, this research takes into account a number of factors, such as international cooperation, technological developments, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder roles. It also explores the dynamic nature of food safety risks, highlighting the necessity for proactive and adaptable policies to counter new hazards. A complex web of interrelated factors, from farming and food processing methods to factors impacting food distribution and consumption, define the comprehensive landscape of food safety. Regulatory frameworks are essential for reducing risks at every stage of this spectrum. This paper assesses the efficacy of the regulatory body, that is, Punjab Food Authority, in ensuring the safety of the food through an examination of its inspection procedures. This also involves a review of the current working of this authority, aiming to identify gaps for future improvements.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Akhtar, S. (2015). Food safety challenges—a Pakistan's perspective. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 55(2), 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.650801

Akhtar, S., Sarker, M. R., & Hossain, A. (2012). Microbiological food safety: A dilemma of developing societies. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 40(4), 348–359. https://doi.org/10.3109/1040841X. 2012.742036

Arshad, F., & Zahoor, T. (2019). Assessing the microbiological safety status of most commonly consumed food items sold at local and branded restaurants of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Journal of Food Safety, 39(1), Article e12587. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfs.12587

Bashir, M. K., Ashfaq, M., Sharif, M. K., & Ali, G. (2018). Food safety perceptions vs reality: the case of peri-urban areas of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 28(4), 1128–1141.

Borchers, A., Teuber, S. S., Keen, C. L., & Gershwin, M. E. (2010). Food safety. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 39, 95–141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-009-8176-4

Food Fortification Program. (2016). Saving lives through food fortification in Pakistan. (2016-2021). https://www.nutritionintl.org/project/food-fortification-program-ffp-pakistan/

Fraser, M., Haigh, L., & Soria, A., 2023. The circularity gap report 2023. Circle Economy. https://policycommons.net/artifacts/3370831/ 63c5511395a3b8eba384baa9_cgr20202320-20report/4169635/

Fung, F., Wang, H. S., & Menon, S. (2018). Food safety in the 21st century. Biomedical Journal, 41(2), 88–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj. 2018.03.003

Government of Pakistan. (2023). Pakistan economic survey 2022–2023. https://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters_23/Highlights.pdf

Government of the Punjab. (2018). Punjab pure food regulations, 2018. https://food.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/16.%20Punjab%20Pure%20Food%20Regulations%2C%202018%20%28PPFR%2C%202018%29.pdf

Kotwal, V. (2022). Food safety: A multidimensional concept. In Rames S. V., S. Praveen (Eds.), Conceptualizing plant-based nutrition: Bioresources, nutrients repertoire and bioavailability (pp. 249–267). Springer.

Nemer, L. E., Rasool, F., Demmler, K. M., & Polack, S. (2020). A model for governance to improve food safety and hygiene (GAIN Working Paper No. 4). Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.36072/wp.4

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. (2017). Salient features - 6th population & housing census 2017. https://www.pbs.gov.pk/content/final-results-census-2017

Rehman, M. R. A., Wang, J., Ali, Y., Sorn, M. K., & Khan, R. D. A. (2023). Food and drug safety management in Pakistan. Open Access Library Journal, 10(5), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1110058

The Punjab Food Authority. (2011). The Punjab food authority act, 2011. http://punjablaws.gov.pk/laws/2460.html

World Health Organization. (2021, February 8–10). First technical advisory group meeting on the update of who global strategy for food safety. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/02/08/ default-calendar/1st-technical-advisory-group-meeting-on-the-update-of-who-global-strategy-for-food-safety

World Health Organization. (‎2022)‎. WHO global strategy for food safety 2022–2030: towards stronger food safety systems and global cooperation: Executive summary. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/ 10665/364638

Published
2023-12-29
How to Cite
Dogar, G. M., & Yaqoob, S. (2023). Strategies for Enhancing Food Safety-A Policy Appraisal in Punjab, Pakistan . Journal of Public Policy Practitioners, 2(2), 33-54. https://doi.org/10.32350/jppp.22.02
Section
Articles