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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
KP establishes modern food testing lab
PESHAWAR: The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa established first state-of-the-art Food Testing Laboratory and Centre for Research at Hayatabad. Established at a cost of Rs 905 million, the facility is the first of its kind static food testing laboratory in the province, equipped with advanced machinery and modern testing capabilities. Officials stated that the laboratory will provide scientific analysis of food quality and detect adulteration using cutting-edge equipment. The lab encompasses specialized sections in food microbiology, food chemistry and nutritional analysis, pesticide residue detection, and mycotoxin analysis. It also includes capabilities for heavy metal analysis, dairy, meat, and edible oil testing, as well as sensory evaluation. Designed under one roof, the facility comprises eight dedicated sub-laboratories and is integrated with an online reporting system and a modern Management Information System (MIS). The lab has the capacity to test nearly 1,500 parameters across more than 100 food items and meets international ISO standards. It can detect harmful chemicals like aflatoxins and formalin, and microbial contaminants including salmonella, listeria, E. coli, and mold. Additionally, it allows testing for heavy metals in water and beverages, and performs comprehensive nutritional profiling including fat, protein, moisture, ash content, and calorific value. Speaking to the media on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the facility aligns with the vision of Imran Khan, under which the provincial government is committed to delivering quality public services and improving public health. He added that the lab is capable of identifying antibiotic residues in dairy and meat products and offers halal certification services. This includes verification of halal meat and detection of harmful or prohibited animal sources. Over 20 Food Authority offices across the province will serve as sample collection points, while a digital traceability system will allow easier public access and transparency. The Chief Minister lauded the timely completion of the project and directed authorities to ensure that the lab's systems are regularly updated and aligned with emerging technological trends. He stressed that food adulteration is a serious crime and those involved are enemies of public health, warning that no leniency will be shown in this regard. He said that only food items approved by this laboratory would be allowed for sale in the market, adding that other departments and government agencies would also benefit from the facility's services. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Arab Times
Pakistan busts illegal donkey meat operation, seizes 900kg of meat
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 27: In a major crackdown on illegal meat trade, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), in coordination with local police and district administration, raided a farmhouse in the Tarnol area, uncovering a disturbing operation involving the slaughter and sale of donkey meat. Authorities confiscated more than 900 kilograms (approximately 25 maunds) of donkey meat from the premises, which was promptly destroyed. Additionally, 60 live donkeys were recovered from the site. A foreign national was arrested at the scene and handed over to the police for further investigation. Initial reports suggest the meat was being processed for distribution within Pakistan and potentially exported abroad as part of a broader illegal supply network. Dr. Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, confirmed the scale of the seizure. 'It was revealed that the meat was allegedly being supplied not only to the local market but also exported abroad,' she stated. The farmhouse had reportedly been operating without legal authorization. Sources close to the investigation indicate that a Chinese national, who had been operating in the Tarnol area for some time, is suspected of managing the illicit business. Authorities are now working to trace the meat distribution chain and identify domestic and international buyers who may have been involved. Dr. Siddique emphasized the authority's commitment to public health and food safety. 'Ensuring the availability of safe and quality food in Islamabad is the Food Authority's top priority. We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger public health,' she said. The Islamabad Food Authority has urged the public to report any suspicious activities or suspected sale of substandard or unregulated meat to relevant agencies, in an effort to dismantle illegal operations and ensure consumer safety. Investigations into the operation are ongoing.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Foreigner arrested for selling donkey meat in Islamabad
Listen to article Authorities in capital have uncovered a disturbing illegal meat operation at a farmhouse in the Tarnol area, where donkey meat was allegedly being processed for sale both locally and abroad. The Islamabad Food Authority, backed by local police and district administration, conducted the raid and found approximately 25 maunds (over 900 kilograms) of meat, which was immediately destroyed. Officials also recovered around 60 live donkeys from the premises. A foreign national found at the scene was arrested and handed over to police for further investigation. Early reports suggest the meat was not only being distributed locally, but was also allegedly part of a wider supply chain extending abroad. Dr Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, said around 60 live donkeys were recovered from the property. 'It was revealed that the meat was allegedly being supplied not only to the local market but also exported abroad,' she said. Investigators believe the illegal business was being overseen by a Chinese national who had reportedly been active in Tarnol for an extended period. The farmhouse was being used without authorisation to prepare and distribute meat. Read More: Man, son held for selling donkey meat Further investigations are under way to trace the meat distribution network and identify the buyers involved, both domestically and internationally. Dr Siddique stressed the seriousness of the issue: 'Ensuring the availability of safe and quality food in Islamabad is the Food Authority's top priority. We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger public health.' The Food Authority has urged the public to report any suspicious activities or low-quality meat to the relevant authorities so such illegal operations can be dismantled swiftly.
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
KP CM inaugurates state-of-the-art food testing laboratory
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Wednesday inaugurated the province's first state-of-the-art 'Provincial Food Testing Laboratory and Centre for Research' in Hayatabad, Peshawar. Established at a cost of Rs 905 million, the facility is the first of its kind static food testing laboratory in the province, equipped with advanced machinery and modern testing capabilities. Officials stated that the laboratory will provide scientific analysis of food quality and detect adulteration using cutting-edge equipment. The lab encompasses specialized sections in food microbiology, food chemistry and nutritional analysis, pesticide residue detection, and mycotoxin analysis. It also includes capabilities for heavy metal analysis, dairy, meat, and edible oil testing, as well as sensory evaluation. Designed under one roof, the facility comprises eight dedicated sub-laboratories and is integrated with an online reporting system and a modern Management Information System (MIS). The lab has the capacity to test nearly 1,500 parameters across more than 100 food items and meets international ISO standards. It can detect harmful chemicals like aflatoxins and formalin, and microbial contaminants including salmonella, listeria, E. coli, and mold. Additionally, it allows testing for heavy metals in water and beverages, and performs comprehensive nutritional profiling including fat, protein, moisture, ash content, and calorific value. Speaking to the media on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the facility aligns with the vision of Imran Khan, under which the provincial government is committed to delivering quality public services and improving public health. He added that the lab is capable of identifying antibiotic residues in dairy and meat products and offers halal certification services. This includes verification of halal meat and detection of harmful or prohibited animal sources. Over 20 Food Authority offices across the province will serve as sample collection points, while a digital traceability system will allow easier public access and transparency. The Chief Minister lauded the timely completion of the project and directed authorities to ensure that the lab's systems are regularly updated and aligned with emerging technological trends. He stressed that food adulteration is a serious crime and those involved are enemies of public health, warning that no leniency will be shown in this regard. The Chief Minister said that only food items approved by this laboratory would be allowed for sale in the market, adding that other departments and government agencies would also benefit from the facility's services. Reiterating his government's commitment, he said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is determined to ensure the availability of safe and healthy food to its citizens and will make no compromises on public health. He termed the establishment of the modern food testing laboratory and research centre a landmark development that will significantly enhance the province's food safety regime. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
NDTV
18-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
CBSE Urges Schools To Display 'Oil Boards,' Encourage Healthy Habits Among Students
To raise awareness among students about healthy eating habits, the CBSE has asked schools to display "oil boards" within their premises. These refer to posters that highlight the high oil content in common foods, along with related health information. The directive was issued by Dr Praggya M Singh, Director (Academics), CBSE, urging school heads to promote healthy lifestyles among students. This follows an earlier circular that asked schools to set up "sugar boards" with a similar objective. The new letter cites a significant rise in obesity cases among children and adults. Citing the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, the circular said, "Over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese." It also referred to the Lancet GBD 2021 obesity forecast (published in 2025), stating, "The number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050, making it the country with the second-highest global burden. Prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted mostly by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity." Also Read: Food Authority Issues Advisory Against '100%' Claims In Food Labels - Why It Matters What The New CBSE Circular Asks Schools To Do The letter calls on schools to "sensitise" students and staff to these health issues by doing the following: Use Posters and Displays: Put up digital or printed posters in shared spaces such as cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms, and other public areas to highlight the risks of unhealthy eating. Add Health Messages on Stationery: Carry short health messages on school stationery such as letterheads, envelopes, notepads, and folders, to serve as regular reminders for preventing obesity. Encourage Healthy Habits in Schools: Promote healthy eating by offering more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat food options; limiting sugary and fatty snacks; and encouraging physical activity such as taking the stairs, short exercise breaks, and walking paths. Oil Board. Photo Credit: FSSAI What The Earlier Circular Said In May 2025, CBSE issued a separate circular directing schools to warn students about excessive sugar intake through the display of "sugar boards." These posters outline the recommended daily sugar limits, sugar content in popular items like cold drinks and fast food, health risks of sugar overconsumption, and healthier alternatives. Schools were asked to help students make more informed food choices for long-term health. The letter also encouraged seminars and workshops to raise awareness. Sugar Board Also Read: From Masala Oats To Flavoured Dahi: 10 Everyday Indian Foods With Hidden Sugar And Oil Related Recent Developments Posters warning against high sugar and oil consumption are not limited to schools. Central government offices and other institutions are also being asked to display similar boards to promote better dietary choices. In June, the Union Health Ministry proposed that boards showing oil and sugar content in common foods like pizzas, burgers, samosas, vada pav, and kachoris be "prominently displayed" in schools, offices, and other government departments and bodies, ANI reported. In recent months, these " sugar and fat boards" have sparked headlines and public debate around health, personal choice, and food habits. Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Oil Board CBSE Circular CBSE Food News Health News Show full article Comments
