Islamabad: Food regulations remain fragmented in Pakistan, causing barriers to trade between provinces and the federal level, and leading to increased complexity that adversely affects foreign investment. In this context, the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), in collaboration with Nestlé Pakistan, is organising a national conference on ‘Food Safety and Harmonization: shaping a Healthier Nation’ here on November 22. The conference will be attended, among others, renowned expert and outgoing chairperson of Codex Alimentarius Commission Awilo Ochieng Pernet, who will highlight the need for 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 harmonization. Elaborating on the need for harmonization, Dr. Shahzad Alam, chairman of 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, thereby allowing the food industry to make food based on international standards that will boost exports and develop a culture of safe food in Pakistan.
