The Role of Punjab Food Authority in Food Safety
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) was established in 2011 under the Governing Law Punjab Food Authority Act, 2011. Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has been at the forefront of ensuring quality standards, implementing rigorous food inspections, and spreading awareness about foodborne diseases. With a mission to protect public health, PFA has taken bold steps in enforcing hygiene regulations across food businesses, monitoring food adulteration, and advocating for the consumption of safe, nutritious food.
Punjab Food Authority: Ensuring Food Safety and Nutrition for a Healthier Punjab
In response to alarming food safety issues, the PFA recently organized a one-day seminar on Food Safety & Nutrition in Gujranwala. The event, in collaboration with the BS Human Nutrition & Dietetics (HND) department of Saint Mary's College of Medical & Advance Studies - Gujranwala, featured renowned dietitian Dt. Ayesha Noor as the keynote speaker. Common violations include adulteration (e.g., chemicals in milk, toxic dyes in spices), unhygienic processing (30% of eateries lacking basic hygiene), and mislabeling. However, limited resources, fragmented enforcement, and low public awareness hinder progress, with 40% of Punjab’s population still exposed to substandard food, contributing to rising foodborne illnesses (25% of diarrheal cases linked to contaminated food).
Saint Mary’s College: Pioneering Nutrition Education
Saint Mary’s College has played a pioneering role in advancing nutrition education in the region. Since 2017, it has been the first institution in Gujranwala to launch the BS HND program, paving the way for future food experts. With a rich legacy dating back to 1979, Saint Mary’s continues to produce professionals dedicated to enhancing Pakistan’s food industry through innovation and research.
Nurturing Future Food Experts: Innovative Food Product Development
Beyond theoretical knowledge, St. Mary's College emphasizes practical application through innovative food product development. Students are encouraged to create healthy and sustainable food options, exploring areas such as Hilal food production, eco-friendly packaging, and the link between diet and disease. This focus extends from addressing cardiovascular health to cancer prevention, guided by the principle of "Let food be thy medicine."
Nourishing Communities: Join Marian's Food Research & Dietetics Society (MFRDS) at Saint Mary's College
A strong platform for aspiring nutritionists & dietitians
· Food research & product development
· Work on community-based nutrition projects
· Collaboration with industry, dietitians, & healthcare professionals
· Seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns
Future Food Experts: Innovating for a Healthier Tomorrow
The event also highlighted food product development at Saint Mary’s, focusing on the role of food as medicine. The concept of "Let Food Be Thy Medicine" was emphasized, showcasing functional foods designed for diverse groups, from children and pregnant women to athletes.
From Childhood to Elder Care: Food as Medicine
The BS HND program explores the role of food as medicine throughout the lifespan, from ensuring optimal nutrition for children to developing specialized diets for the elderly, pregnant women, and athletes (e.g., energy bars).
The BS HND program at Saint Mary’s pioneers the concept of food as medicine, addressing nutritional needs across all life stages. From optimizing childhood nutrition to crafting specialized diets for the elderly, pregnant women, and athletes, the program equips future dietitians with the expertise to develop science-backed functional foods, including energy bars and therapeutic diets. Empowering healthier communities, one meal at a time.
A Collective Responsibility for a Healthier Punjab
Punjab Food Authority’s commitment to food safety, along with academic institutions like Saint Mary’s, is shaping a healthier future for Punjab. Such initiatives are essential to safeguarding public health and fostering a culture of safe, sustainable food practices in Pakistan.
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