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PESHAWAR, Oct 22 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has completed its 15-day special spice testing campaign.
According to the Authority’s spokesperson on Wednesday, samples were collected from major wholesalers, grinding units and packaging industries across the province.
A total of 82 samples were tested at the Provincial Food Testing Laboratory and Center for Research using modern equipment.
The report revealed that 75% of the samples met quality standards, while 25% were found substandard. The analysis included parameters such as ash content, moisture, artificial coloring, aflatoxin, salmonella, staphylococcus, E. coli, yeast and mold, among others.
The district-wise breakdown of samples included: Abbottabad (1), Bannu (12), Buner (3), Dera Ismail Khan (7), Haripur (1), Lower Dir (5), Malakand (12), Mardan (13), Nowshera (3), Peshawar (17), Swat (5), and Upper Dir (2).
The spokesperson further stated that heavy fines have been imposed on the owners of substandard and harmful spice brands. They were also directed to immediately withdraw their unsafe products from the market.
Director General Wasif Saeed said that the Provincial Food Testing Laboratory will continue conducting such specialized testing campaigns for various food items. He added that modern technology is being used to enhance food quality standards.
The DG emphasized that providing safe, high-quality, and nutritious food to the public remains the top priority of the Authority. To achieve this goal, inspection, testing and awareness campaigns are being made more effective.