Minister says ‘Food Fortification Act 2021’ draft approved by Cabinet
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Food, Science and Information Technology Atif Khan has said that provision of safe and nutritious food to the public was the top priority of the government, adding that the provincial government has taken pragmatic steps in this regard.
He expressed these views during a media sensitization session in Peshawar. The event was organized by the Food Department with the collaboration of Nutrition International Pakistan.
The provincial cabinet has approved the draft bill of the Food Fortification Act 2021, which aims to provide important vitamins, including iron, folic acid, flour, ghee and edible oils.
Atif Khan said that the draft bill will be introduced in the KP Assembly very soon.
Minister Food Atif Khan said malnutrition has massive adverse implications on both health indicators and the economy. Wheat flour and cooking oil/ghee are ideal vehicles for fortification with several micronutrients that can assist in preventing the most common micronutrient deficiencies.
He asked media persons to assist the government in large-scale awareness in tackling the issue, adding that quality, safe and nutritious food were key to a healthy life.
“The Food Safety Authority is working round the clock to ensure quality food for the people,” he added.
The provincial government has set up seven Mobile Food Testing Laboratories across the province to ensure healthy food availability in KP. he added.
He said that these labs would be expanded to other parts of the province.
Atif Khan shared that directions have been given to the Food Safety Authority to intensify the crackdown against food adulteration throughout the province; specifically focusing on the canteens and food outlets in the premises of hospitals, schools, colleges and other educational institutes.
He said the government has approved Rs8 billion for IT related training, and around 100,000 youths will be trained in the programme.
