National Conference on Food Safety Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) under Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with Nestlé Pakistan is organizing a National Conference tilted “Food Safety and Harmonization: shaping a Healthier Nation”. The conference aims to address the issues around food harmonization. Food regulations remain fragmented in Pakistan, causing barriers to trade between provinces and federal and lead to increased complexity which adversely affects foreign investment.
Well renowned expert, the Outgoing-Chairperson of Codex Alimentarius Commission, Ms. Awilo Ochieng Pernet will also be gracing this conference and will highlight the need of science based harmonized regulation for Pakistan. This is the first time that someone who is such an authority on the subject is coming to Pakistan to meet both provincial and federal officials to discuss the issue of harmonisation.
Elaborating on the need for harmonization Dr. Shahzad Alam-Chairman PCSIR said, “Harmonization of food safety legislation based on scientific principles, in line with CODEX standards and guidelines, will lead towards the promotion of trade and safety of consumers. In Pakistan, it is a need of time for developing uniform food standards at national level in accordance with international best practices”.
Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs commented,” In order to ensure consistency in standards, quality and competitiveness, food-related legislation should be harmonized through one national law developed with consensus of all stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments and private sector.”
The conference will be a theme of high relevance to all stakeholders including the government, civil society and the private sector. It will be attended by scientists, academia, researchers, policy makers, and enforcement agencies from all over Pakistan. It will open the door for harmonization of food standards in Pakistan which will allow the food industry in Pakistan to make food based on international standards that will boost export and develop a culture of safe food in Pakistan.
