Govt Orders Nationwide Food Quality Testing After Concerning Results

The government has ordered nationwide testing of loose edible oil, ghee, and milk after laboratory assessments raised concerns over the quality and safety of certain food products being sold in the market.

Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has instructed provincial authorities and relevant regulatory agencies to conduct a comprehensive survey of unpackaged food products across Pakistan. The initiative is intended to determine whether commonly consumed items comply with national food quality and safety standards.

During the assessment, officials examined various products, including banaspati ghee, cooking oil, packaged milk, and milk powder. Laboratory results showed that 176 out of 491 packaged samples failed to meet the prescribed national standards, meaning approximately 36 percent of the tested samples did not satisfy the required quality criteria.

The results have prompted concerns about the standard of food products reaching consumers. Authorities are expected to carry out additional investigations to identify the factors behind the failed samples and determine appropriate measures.

Based on the findings, the government may introduce further regulatory actions aimed at improving food quality and ensuring that products available in markets comply with established safety requirements.

Officials have stressed the importance of stronger monitoring systems and effective enforcement of food standards throughout the country. The nationwide testing campaign is expected to help identify non-compliant products and encourage manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to follow food safety regulations.

The government says the broader objective is to ensure that consumers have access to safe, healthy, and quality food products. Further decisions will be made after the authorities complete their detailed review and submit recommendations.