The document discusses entry points for public intervention to improve food safety legislation in Pakistan. It provides an overview of Pakistan's existing food safety laws, including the Pure Food Ordinance of 1960, and argues that poor enforcement is largely due to a lack of demand and monitoring from citizens. The document identifies several entry points for citizens to play a role, such as lobbying local authorities, registering complaints about unsafe food, and monitoring compliance with food safety standards. Greater public intervention through these methods could help strengthen enforcement of food safety laws.
Food safety refers to the proper handling, cooking, and preservation of food in order to protect people from food borne illnesses caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. ... Stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, and more can be caused by a food borne illness.
Food safety refers to the proper handling, cooking, and preservation of food in order to protect people from food borne illnesses caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. ... Stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, and more can be caused by a food borne illness.
Presented by A.K. Singla to the ILRI workshop on safety of animal source foods with an emphasis on the informal sectors, New Delhi, India, 8 February 2011
FSSAI - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India - by Akshay AnandAkshay Anand
A presentation on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This was presented as a part of curriculum by Akshay Anand in JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru during March 2015
International Conference on Infrastructure Needs For a Food Control System: Roadmap For Regional Harmonization” - organised by International Life Sciences Institute - India Chapter, 9 & 10 December, 2014 in Hotel Royal Plaza, New Delhi.
International Conference on Infrastructure Needs For a Food Control System: Roadmap For Regional Harmonization” - organised by International Life Sciences Institute - India Chapter, 9 & 10 December, 2014 in Hotel Royal Plaza, New Delhi.
Introduction to GFSI Schemes - SAI GlobalRowenaCurtis1
Today’s food supply chain presents complex challenges, and many of the world’s largest food retailers are mandating supplier certification to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) schemes.
This is the slide deck from SAI Global's Webinar with Senior Safety Consultant, Dr Bob Strong who gives an overview of the GFSI-recognised schemes - BRC, FSSC 22000, IFS Food, SQF Code, and Global G.A.P. The webinar provides you with an overview of GFSI schemes, their key differences, how to select the right standard for your organization, and tips on becoming certified.
________________________________________
Piacenza, October 14, 2011
"Innovating Food, Innovating the Law"
Conference
GANGJIAN DU (Hunan University, China)
Law and food safety in China
Video: http://vimeo.com/31078486
Presented by A.K. Singla to the ILRI workshop on safety of animal source foods with an emphasis on the informal sectors, New Delhi, India, 8 February 2011
FSSAI - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India - by Akshay AnandAkshay Anand
A presentation on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This was presented as a part of curriculum by Akshay Anand in JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru during March 2015
International Conference on Infrastructure Needs For a Food Control System: Roadmap For Regional Harmonization” - organised by International Life Sciences Institute - India Chapter, 9 & 10 December, 2014 in Hotel Royal Plaza, New Delhi.
International Conference on Infrastructure Needs For a Food Control System: Roadmap For Regional Harmonization” - organised by International Life Sciences Institute - India Chapter, 9 & 10 December, 2014 in Hotel Royal Plaza, New Delhi.
Introduction to GFSI Schemes - SAI GlobalRowenaCurtis1
Today’s food supply chain presents complex challenges, and many of the world’s largest food retailers are mandating supplier certification to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) schemes.
This is the slide deck from SAI Global's Webinar with Senior Safety Consultant, Dr Bob Strong who gives an overview of the GFSI-recognised schemes - BRC, FSSC 22000, IFS Food, SQF Code, and Global G.A.P. The webinar provides you with an overview of GFSI schemes, their key differences, how to select the right standard for your organization, and tips on becoming certified.
________________________________________
Piacenza, October 14, 2011
"Innovating Food, Innovating the Law"
Conference
GANGJIAN DU (Hunan University, China)
Law and food safety in China
Video: http://vimeo.com/31078486
The Aim of Punjab pure food act is to ensure the quality and safety of food. It is responsible for the food hygiene and Prevent food from adulteration and contamination.
It have definitions in overall food supply chain . It apply in every term related to food .
Flu Vaccine Alert in Bangalore Karnatakaaddon Scans
As flu season approaches, health officials in Bangalore, Karnataka, are urging residents to get their flu vaccinations. The seasonal flu, while common, can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Vidisha Kumari, a leading epidemiologist in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. "The flu vaccine is our best defense against the influenza virus. It not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our communities," he says.
This year, the flu season is expected to coincide with a potential increase in other respiratory illnesses. The Karnataka Health Department has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the significance of flu vaccinations. They have set up multiple vaccination centers across Bangalore, making it convenient for residents to receive their shots.
To encourage widespread vaccination, the government is also collaborating with local schools, workplaces, and community centers to facilitate vaccination drives. Special attention is being given to ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all, including marginalized communities who may have limited access to healthcare.
Residents are reminded that the flu vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are generally short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Healthcare providers are also stressing the importance of continuing COVID-19 precautions. Wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing are still crucial, especially in crowded places.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated. Together, we can help keep Bangalore healthy and safe this flu season. For more information on vaccination centers and schedules, residents can visit the Karnataka Health Department’s official website or follow their social media pages.
Stay informed, stay safe, and get your flu shot today!
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
Acute scrotum is a general term referring to an emergency condition affecting the contents or the wall of the scrotum.
There are a number of conditions that present acutely, predominantly with pain and/or swelling
A careful and detailed history and examination, and in some cases, investigations allow differentiation between these diagnoses. A prompt diagnosis is essential as the patient may require urgent surgical intervention
Testicular torsion refers to twisting of the spermatic cord, causing ischaemia of the testicle.
Testicular torsion results from inadequate fixation of the testis to the tunica vaginalis producing ischemia from reduced arterial inflow and venous outflow obstruction.
The prevalence of testicular torsion in adult patients hospitalized with acute scrotal pain is approximately 25 to 50 percent
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
New Drug Discovery and Development .....NEHA GUPTA
The "New Drug Discovery and Development" process involves the identification, design, testing, and manufacturing of novel pharmaceutical compounds with the aim of introducing new and improved treatments for various medical conditions. This comprehensive endeavor encompasses various stages, including target identification, preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and post-market surveillance. It involves multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists, researchers, clinicians, regulatory experts, and pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative therapies to market and address unmet medical needs.
Knee anatomy and clinical tests 2024.pdfvimalpl1234
This includes all relevant anatomy and clinical tests compiled from standard textbooks, Campbell,netter etc..It is comprehensive and best suited for orthopaedicians and orthopaedic residents.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
Explore natural remedies for syphilis treatment in Singapore. Discover alternative therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes that may complement conventional treatments. Learn about holistic approaches to managing syphilis symptoms and supporting overall health.
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Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Saeid Safari
Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic and Semiglutide
ASA GUIDELINE
NYSORA Guideline
2 Case Reports of Gastric Ultrasound
1. Food Safety Legislation in Pakistan:
Identifying Entry Points for Public Intervention
Mazhar Siraj
Food safety is a concern of everyone. Given that food intake is the fundamental
precondition for survival, food safety issues embrace us all the time. Food safety simply
means that what we eat, chew or drink is safe for human health. In order to ensure that
people get safe food, multidimensional approaches have to be taken at all levels of a food
chain e.g. production, storage, supply, distribution, and consumption, etc. The
government and citizens are two major stakeholders in any approach to food safety. Food
producers and food industry also play very important role in ensuring food safety, but this
is not discussed in this paper. The focus of this paper rests on the role of government and
citizens in achieving food safety through enforcement of proper legislation.
Though implementation of legislative measures is basically the mandate of the state,
citizens have also a major role to play in any legislative scheme. The state provides a
legal framework that lays down certain conditions for those involved in provision of food
to the people. These conditions may include prohibition of the sale of adulterated goods,
compliance with prescribed technical specifications, bio-safety guidelines, etc. Most of
the countries around the world have developed their own legal frameworks for ensuring
food safety, notwithstanding the effectiveness of these frameworks. Pakistan does not
have an integrated legal framework but has a set of laws, which deals with various
aspects of food safety. These laws, despite the fact that they were enacted long time ago,
have tremendous capacity to achieve at least minimum level of food safety. However,
like many other laws, these laws remain very poorly enforced.
This paper argues that, notwithstanding the financial constraints involved, the major
reason for poor enforcement of food safety laws is the lack of demand from citizens. It is
hardly any exaggeration to say that there is no public monitoring of the food safety
legislation at all. It is for this reason that relevant government authorities have had shown
little will in enforcing these laws. This paper presents a brief overview of the existing
national laws that deal with food safety. Then, the paper finds out some entry points
where citizens can play their role in making these laws more effective.
Laws Dealing with Food Safety in Pakistan
There exist a large number of food laws in Pakistan. However, most of them deal with
control of production, distribution and supply of food, in addition to dealing with
profiteering and hoarding. There are four laws that specifically deal with food safety.
Three of these laws directly focus issues related to food safety, while the fourth one
namely Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority Act, is indirectly relevant to
food safety. A brief overview of these laws is given below:
The Pure Food Ordinance, 1960 consolidates and amends the law in relation to the
preparation and the sale of foods. All provinces and some northern areas have adopted
this law with certain amendments. Its aim is to ensure purity of food being supplied to
2. people in the market and, therefore, provides for preventing adulteration. The law
prohibits any person to mix, colour, stain or powder any food, if the mixing involves
violation of prescribed rules or is likely to make the food injurious for health. The
prescribed rules set standards for colouring, preservatives, flavouring compounds,
antioxidants, stabilisers, anti-caking agent, non-nutritive constituents, and metals. The
law also prohibits sale, preparation, manufacture, import or export of such food for
human consumption, which is unsound, unwholesome, or injurious to health, in addition
to misbranded food items. Besides, the law sets rules for labeling of pre-packed food and
precautionary measures to be taken during storage, stocking and packing. There are four
criterion adopted by the law to ensure purity of food: a) it prohibits
manufacturing/preparation or processing of such food, which is likely to be unsafe for
human consumption, e.g. any food which can cause food poisoning; b) it prohibits
import, export or sale of unsafe food; c) sets out certain hygiene standards; d) provides
for inspection and laboratory analysis of food samples according to a set criterion. ‘Local
authority’, which is designated by the government, is responsible for enforcing the
Ordinance within its jurisdiction. The law is not uniform in all areas. Even penalties of
the same offence vary in provinces. Furthermore, the law is silent about award of
compensation or damages to consumers.
The Pure Food Ordinance 1960 does not apply to cantonment areas. There is separate law
for cantonments called “The Cantonment Pure Food Act, 1966”. There is no substantial
difference between the Pure Food Ordinance 1960 and The Cantonment Pure Food Act.
Even the rules of operation are very much similar.
In August 2003, the Federal Cabinet increased the punishment for adulterators to 25 years
imprisonment. This increase is extremely higher than the punishment provided in the
Pure Food Ordinance 1960, which ranges between imprisonment from 1 to 5 years and a
fine ranging between Rs.100 to Rs.1 lakh. Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan
(CRCP), a national non-profit civil initiative working for articulation and protection of
consumer rights, opposed the decision on the ground that ‘it is not the stringency or
strictness of the punishment but its certainty, which ensures compliance. Authorities have
not been able to obtain convictions even under the existing laws. Increase in punishment
cannot be a substitute for an efficient and corruption-free administrative and a judicial
system, which has the capacity as well as the will to enforce the punishment sanctioned
under existing laws.”
Pakistan Hotels and Restaurant Act, 1976 applies to all hotels and restaurants in Pakistan
and seeks to control and regulate the rates and standard of service(s) by hotels and
restaurants. In addition to other provisions, under section 22(2), the sale of food or
beverages that are contaminated, not prepared hygienically or served in utensils that are
not hygienic or clean is an offense. This law does not specifically mention right to
consumers to lodge a complaint. However, this does not prevent either any person to
address a complaint to a Controller, which is appointed by the Federal Government for
enforcement of the Act. Consideration of the complaint is a matter of jurisdiction of the
Controller. Moreover, like other food laws, it does not provide for compensation to
consumers in case of damages.
3. The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority Act, 1996 is a relevant law;
although it is not classified as a “food law”. This Act provides for the establishment of
Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), which is the apex body to
formulate standards or adopt international standards. It is also responsible for
enforcement of standards in the whole of Pakistan and has the mandate to inspect and test
products and services, including food items, for their quality, specification and
characteristics during use, and for import and export purposes.
Entry Points for Public Intervention
Though implementation of legislative measures is basically the mandate of the state,
citizens have also a major role to play in this regard. Evidence suggests that the
relationship between public intervention and effectiveness of laws is a linear one: greater
the public intervention through monitoring, lobbying etc, higher the probability of
effective enforcement of laws. However, unfortunately, food laws in Pakistan have
attracted little public intervention. This is one major reason for the lack of will among the
concerned government authorities to effectively enforce the food laws. Following are a
few specific entry points for effective public intervention in implementation of food
safety laws.
a) Lobbying with the ‘Local Authority’
‘Local Authority’ is responsible for enforcement of the Pure Food Ordinance, 1960. It
referees to a Municipal Committee or Municipal Corporation, a Local Council, a Town
Committee or an authority, which is declared by Government by notification in the
official Gazette for the purpose of this ordinance. Concerned citizens and citizen groups
can lobby with the relevant Local Authority for effective enforcement of the law. Public
pressure is a time-tested instrument for improving government performance.
b) Registration of Complaints
There are explicit provisions for right of citizens to file complaints about quality of food
under the Pakistan Pure Food Ordinance 1960 and Cantonments Pure Food Act, 1966.
Under these laws, consumers can lodge a complaint about the quality of food being sold
in market to a Health Inspector or Food Inspector, who is appointed by the respective
Local Authority. The exercise of this right can act as an effective check on marketeers of
substandard food on one hand, and make the concerned government authorities
responsible, on the other hand. In addition, citizens can register a complaint against cases
of (a) false warranty (b) misbranded foods, and (c) incomplete labeling.
There are no express provisions for consumer complaints in the Pakistan Restaurants Act,
1976, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority
Act, 1996. However, the laws do not prevent citizens from lodging complaints with the
concerned government officials. However, the consideration and handling of complaints
is a matter of discretion of the officials. There are various examples that responsible
officials handled such complaints for humanitarian reasons, despite that fact that law did
not bind them to do so.
4. The citizens can also approach consumer protection groups for such complaints. For
instance, Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) has established a Consumer
Complaint and Redress Forum (CCRF), which handles consumer complaints.
c) Public Monitoring
Public monitoring of the implementation of food safety laws in general, and of certain
specific provisions of these laws in particular, can greatly contribute to effectiveness of
the existing laws. Following are the specific entry points for public monitoring of food
safety laws:
(1) Under Pure Food Ordinance 1960, private persons have the right to have food sample
analyzed. If one suspects that any food is likely to be detrimental to human health, an
application can be made in writing to a Health Inspector or Food Inspector asking him
to purchase sample of such food from the person specified in the application. The
inspector shall submit the sample to the Public Analyst for laboratory analysis. The
cost will be borne by the applicant. If the food sample is found to be adulterated, the
amount paid by the applicant will be refunded to him or her.
(2) Preparation, manufacturing, or storing for sale or for offer to sell any food which is
unhygienic or unfit for human consumption is prohibited under the Pure Food
Ordinance 1960. The citizens can monitor around them if someone is involved
preparing, manufacturing or storing for sale or for offer to sell any food, which is
likely to harm the potential consumers. The citizens have the right to register a
complaint to the inspector appointed by the concerned ‘Local Authority’.
3) Any person (i.e. waiter, cook etc.) in any hotel, restaurant, sweetmeat shop or any
other public eating place should be in possession of a health certificate from a health
officer, which should mention that he/she is free from communicable diseases. The
citizens may ask a waiter or cook at any public eating-place to produce the health
certificate. In case of failure to produce such certificate, a complaint can be made to
the Health Inspector concerned.
d) Food Safety and Right to Information
Information can play vital role in improving the capacity of government to deliver on
public issues. The citizens have the right to seek information held by government
departments and can request information under Freedom of Information Ordinance,
2002. However, this law is applicable to the Federal government and attached
departments. No province has so far enacted such legislation. However, no law either
bars citizens from requesting information, which is not classified. Certain information
produced by various government departments can be extremely useful for consumer
safety but unfortunately, such information is not made public. For instance, National
Institute of Health (NIH) and Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources
(PCRWR) have conducted laboratory tests of bottled water brands numerous times
and found many brands unfit for human consumption but did not disclose names of
those brands. Similarly, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority
(PSQCA) conducted laboratory tests of edible oil and vanaspati ghee in Karachi but
5. did not disclose the names of brands, which were found unfit for human consumption.
Such secretive practices render a good deal of information useless. Civil society
organizations, especially consumer groups, and concerned individuals can make
information requests to and push these public bodies and local administration to make
such information public.
Nevertheless, the list of entry points for public intervention mentioned above is not
exhaustive; the whole point is that the food safety legislation offers many
opportunities for public intervention that have not been capitalized upon so far. The
public intervention approach can substantially compliment the government efforts to
implement the food safety laws.
This paper was presented at National Food Safety Conference held in Lahore on
March 28, 2004and later published in the conference proceedings.