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RAWALPINDI, October 28 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in collaboration with Rawalpindi Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets and Bakers Association, and Savour Foods on Tuesday organized a seminar to mark World Food Day, emphasizing the importance of healthy, hygienic, and affordable food for all.
The event brought together leading restaurateurs, bakers, government officials, and public representatives to discuss food safety, regulatory cooperation, and consumer awareness.
President Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry, Chairman Mumtaz Ahmed, and Patron-in-Chief Muhammad Naeem Chaudhry hosted the event, which was attended by PML-N leaders Mirza Mansoor Baig and Abdullah Gul, along with PFA officials including Regional Director Adnan Raja, Deputy Director Adnan Akram, and Sania.
Speaking at the seminar, PFA Regional Director Adnan Raja reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to upholding food standards. “Our doors are open to all stakeholders. Cleanliness brings blessings to business, together, we can ensure safe food for the public,” he said.
Deputy Director Adnan Akram shared that 70 milk shops had been sealed for adulteration, 100,000 liters of contaminated milk destroyed, and 30 FIRs lodged against vendors selling unhealthy meat. “While conditions have improved over the past decade, we must continue our collective efforts,” he added.
Patron-in-Chief Muhammad Naeem Chaudhry paid tribute to the government’s people-centric policies. “Food is the foundation of life, cleanliness and health must be our top priority,” he said. “We must ensure lawful earnings, avoid waste, and work collectively to guarantee food quality.”
President Farooq Chaudhry stressed that both food vendors and the food authority need mutual awareness, adding, “Penalties should be proportionate to shop size. Anyone found guilty of adulteration will face strict joint action by the Association and PFA. The black sheep will be exposed.” He also revealed that a delegation recently met with high-ups in the corridors of power to highlight the sector’s challenges, particularly the rise in flour prices affecting bread costs.
Chairman Mumtaz Ahmed said the association plans to establish its own food laboratory to ensure quality testing. “We seek guidance, not conflict, with institutions. Preventive education is as important as enforcement,” he said.
PML-N leader Abdullah Gul praised the efforts of both the association and the PFA, urging balanced regulation. “Despite limited resources, cleanliness and safety are being prioritized, cleanliness is half of faith. We must seek solutions rather than despair,” he remarked.
Mirza Mansoor Baig lauded the association’s proactive approach, saying, “With a huge population, Rawalpindi needs continued cooperation between the food authority and business community to ensure food safety for all.”
The seminar concluded with a collective pledge from both the association and the PFA to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen enforcement against adulteration, and enhance public trust through clean and quality food practices across Rawalpindi.