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Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Fortified food — a big challenge ahead
Access to diverse and nutritious food, especially for low-income and marginalized populations, continues to be a major challenge in Pakistan. Even middle-class families are often devoid of a proper food basket for their growing children. In Pakistan, where about 45 percent of the people, according to the World Bank, live below the poverty line, micronutrient deficiencies remain a very serious public health concern. According to dietitians, human body needs mandatory fortification of essential nutrients to address its widespread deficiencies. The World Health Organization also emphasizes, including fortified foods into consumer diets. A recent Gallup survey reveals an increase in medication supplementation from 20 percent in 2018 to 27 percent by 2025, which significantly affects healthcare costs, particularly medication expenses related to treating physical and mental illnesses. Micronutrient deficiencies usually cause night blindness, fatigue, anaemia, goitre (thyroid) and other conditions that stymie strong immune functioning and simultaneous cell growth. Inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals by the vulnerable populations even leads to increased morbidity. The National Nutrition Survey (NNS), conducted in 2018, shows that over 37 percent of households are food insecure, with only 14 percent of children receiving a meal with minimum dietary diversity, and 40 percent of children under 05 experience stunted growth. The survey also highlights widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with 26.5 percent of women being hypocalcaemic, 27 percent of the population lacking sufficient vitamin A, and approximately 41 percent of women suffering from anaemia or iron deficiency. Other findings highlighted in the NNS underscore the pressing need for heightened awareness and advocacy efforts to address the nation's nutritional challenges. As regards, the government must be asked if there is any monitoring and evaluation system in place to track progress on nutrition related goals, and how often such assessments are conducted? Pakistan has introduced effective fortification practices that face significant challenges, particularly concerning local production entities such as small flour mills (chaki), local oil expellers (kohlus), and small-scale pink salt crushing plants. These producers often operate outside the regulatory purview of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), leading to inconsistencies in product quality and fortification levels. Under the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority Act, specifications are issued for the mass fortification of staple foods, including wheat flour, edible oil, ghee, and salt. However, the gap still exists in the adoption of a uniform fortification standard across all provinces of Pakistan. There is a dire need to understand the barriers faced by Small and Medium Enterprises or small-scale producers in adopting standards. Businesses often prioritize profitability, and without adequate economic incentives or regulatory frameworks supporting fortification. Many companies may choose to abstain from these initiatives, limiting the availability of vital fortified products in the market. The lack of enforcement of fortification laws, as observed in Pakistan, has further reduced participation rates among companies. Moreover, the industry faces operational challenges in incorporating fortification into the existing workflow while maintaining cost efficiency during production. Another limitation is the additional costs of fortification that can potentially raise consumer prices, which discourages companies from participating in such initiatives. To overcome these barriers, government intervention such as subsidies or tax compensation could provide the necessary incentives to encourage broader industry participation and ensure the widespread availability of fortified foods. Provincial food authorities in the country have adopted standardized checklists as a crucial tool for data collection and to monitor regulatory compliance. These checklists provide a systematic framework for routine inspections, assessing compliance with nutrient fortification levels, monitoring labelling accuracy, and documenting instances of non-compliance. Today, digitization through mobile applications and portal development can serve as a vital tool for creating and implementing standardized checklists for inspections across various localities, offering an auditable record that supports accountability and continuous program improvement. Furthermore, the data can be analyzed to develop an interactive dashboard, greatly aiding in evaluating the nutritional status across Pakistan. Can the use of digital tools be leveraged to educate consumers and encourage behavioural change? To ensure compliance with fortification standards, the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) committee and NGOs must focus on consumer behaviour towards food fortification. It is influenced by multiple factors, including awareness, perceived value, sensory attributes, and socioeconomic conditions, all of which significantly impact decision-making in a complex marketplace. Furthermore, processed foods available in the market should be made from fortified products, as consumer choices are influenced by regulatory and marketing factors such as products labelled as fortified or enriched. Positive testimonials and health claims greatly influence decisions, as consumers often look to trusted sources for validation before making dietary changes. Therefore, evidence-based marketing strategies that deliver honest and transparent information can greatly improve consumer acceptance and support the successful adoption of fortified foods. To conclude, food fortification can be a vital public health strategy to address common micronutrient deficiencies; therefore, expanding its implementation across the country is crucial. By incorporating essential nutrients into commonly consumed staples, fortification provides an effective way to deliver nutrients without altering dietary habits. Fortified wheat flour with iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, Zinc, cooking oil with vitamins A and D, and table salt with iodine are expected to boost micronutrient uptake across the population, helping to prevent deficiency-related health issues. Hence, strengthening the monitoring and regulatory systems is essential to ensure that fortification processes consistently meet the required quality standards. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
07-08-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Minister highlights importance of breastfeeding
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations Mustafa Kamal, Wednesday, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding has said that it was not only nature's best start in life for a child but also the most critical national investment in Pakistan's future. He said that according to the latest National Nutrition Survey, only 48 percent of children in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed in the first six months, which is 12 percent short of the global set target of at least 60 percent by 2030. Although early initiation and continued breastfeeding have seen improvements, more work is needed to close the gap and reach every child and mother with the support they need, he said on the eve of World Breastfeeding Week. He reaffirmed the government of Pakistan's strong commitment to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding across the country. It contributes directly to our national health goals, economic development, and to the empowerment of women and girls. Breastfeeding is a powerful equaliser. It offers all children the same opportunity for survival, growth, and development regardless of their background. It is the first vaccine a child receives, providing essential antibodies and nutrients that protect against infections and chronic diseases. It promotes cognitive development and emotional bonding and significantly reduces the risk of stunting, wasting, and under-nutrition. Breastfeeding must be recognised as a shared responsibility. It is not solely a mother's burden. We must support mothers through enabling policies, strong health systems, family support, and community engagement. The Government of Pakistan is committed to advancing this agenda through a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach. The Government of Pakistan is taking steps to strengthen legislation, including implementation and enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk substitutes in accordance with WHA 2016. Health Ministry also recognises the importance of community-based support. Lady Health Workers, community health workers, and peer counsellors are essential in promoting breastfeeding practices, especially in areas where health facilities are limited. Linking facility-based care with home-based support will ensure continuity and confidence for mothers. Workplaces must also become more supportive of breastfeeding. Mothers returning to work need access to lactation spaces, breastfeeding breaks, and flexible schedules. Both public and private sectors must adopt family-friendly policies that enable women to balance work and childcare without compromising on the health of their babies, he said. Breastfeeding is a gender equality issue. It highlights the unequal burden of unpaid care work that women carry and the lack of systems that support their well-being. We must move towards a model where women are informed, supported, and empowered to breastfeed if they choose to do so, and where their decision is respected, Kamal said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Some Singapore diners petition for free tap water where service charge is imposed
SINGAPORE, June 20 — A petition calling for food and beverage (F&B) outlets in Singapore to serve free tap water to diners has gained momentum, with more than 900 people signing on since it launched on May 24. The petition, hosted on appeals to the Singapore government to require restaurants that already impose a 10 per cent service charge to offer what petitioners describe as a 'basic necessity' without additional cost. Its creator, Dr Yee Yucai, a consultant with the Internal Medicine department at Singapore General Hospital, said the initiative was sparked by what he sees as a growing trend of restaurants pushing customers to purchase drinks instead of offering free water — despite official efforts to curb sugar intake. 'The last straw that broke the camel's back for me was when I recently brought my family to an expensive buffet, about US$60 (RM200) per person,' he told AsiaOne yesterday. 'And they had the audacity not to serve water and instead requiring us to pay an extra US$5 for free-flow beverages. I thought it was going too far.' According to the 2022 National Nutrition Survey, Singaporeans consume an average of 56g of sugar daily, with more than half of that intake coming from sweetened drinks. The idea of mandating complimentary tap water at eateries is not new. In 2021, Singapore MP Christopher de Souza asked whether restaurants could be required to provide free table water, highlighting the safety of Singapore's tap water. During this year's Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam also raised the issue, urging Singapore's Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to work with F&B outlets, hawker centres and shopping malls to offer low-cost or free drinking water as a standard practice. In response, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu pushed back against the idea of making it compulsory under the Environmental Public Health Act, citing the cost implications for businesses. 'While Singapore's water is safe to drink straight from the tap, it is not free as food and beverage (F&B) establishments have to pay for the water,' she reportedly told Parliament. 'They also incur cost in providing table water such as cost of washing the glasses and containers and in serving the water.' Dr Yee said he was unaware the topic had previously been brought up in Parliament and expressed disappointment that the proposal appeared to have been 'sort of dismissed'. While acknowledging the ministry's and businesses' concerns, he believes the added cost to F&B outlets is marginal. Citing data from the Public Utilities Board, Dr Yee calculated that two cups of tap water — roughly 400ml — would cost just 0.13 cents per person based on Singapore's non-domestic water rate of US$3.24 per cubic metre. 'This is negligible when compared to water used for cooking, washing, and other operational needs,' he said. 'I feel something like this [eateries providing free water] is considered a necessity, a basic service.'
Malay Mail
20-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Some Singapore diners petition for free tap water where service charge is imposed
SINGAPORE, June 20 — A petition calling for food and beverage (F&B) outlets in Singapore to serve free tap water to diners has gained momentum, with more than 900 people signing on since it launched on May 24. The petition, hosted on appeals to the Singapore government to require restaurants that already impose a 10 per cent service charge to offer what petitioners describe as a 'basic necessity' without additional cost. Its creator, Dr Yee Yucai, a consultant with the Internal Medicine department at Singapore General Hospital, said the initiative was sparked by what he sees as a growing trend of restaurants pushing customers to purchase drinks instead of offering free water — despite official efforts to curb sugar intake. 'The last straw that broke the camel's back for me was when I recently brought my family to an expensive buffet, about US$60 (RM200) per person,' he told AsiaOne yesterday. 'And they had the audacity not to serve water and instead requiring us to pay an extra US$5 for free-flow beverages. I thought it was going too far.' According to the 2022 National Nutrition Survey, Singaporeans consume an average of 56g of sugar daily, with more than half of that intake coming from sweetened drinks. The idea of mandating complimentary tap water at eateries is not new. In 2021, Singapore MP Christopher de Souza asked whether restaurants could be required to provide free table water, highlighting the safety of Singapore's tap water. During this year's Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam also raised the issue, urging Singapore's Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to work with F&B outlets, hawker centres and shopping malls to offer low-cost or free drinking water as a standard practice. In response, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu pushed back against the idea of making it compulsory under the Environmental Public Health Act, citing the cost implications for businesses. 'While Singapore's water is safe to drink straight from the tap, it is not free as food and beverage (F&B) establishments have to pay for the water,' she reportedly told Parliament. 'They also incur cost in providing table water such as cost of washing the glasses and containers and in serving the water.' Dr Yee said he was unaware the topic had previously been brought up in Parliament and expressed disappointment that the proposal appeared to have been 'sort of dismissed'. While acknowledging the ministry's and businesses' concerns, he believes the added cost to F&B outlets is marginal. Citing data from the Public Utilities Board, Dr Yee calculated that two cups of tap water — roughly 400ml — would cost just 0.13 cents per person based on Singapore's non-domestic water rate of US$3.24 per cubic metre. 'This is negligible when compared to water used for cooking, washing, and other operational needs,' he said. 'I feel something like this [eateries providing free water] is considered a necessity, a basic service.'
AsiaOne
19-06-2025
- Health
- AsiaOne
'It's a basic service': Hundreds sign petition urging F&B outlets to provide free water
More than 900 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to require food and beverage outlets to provide free tap water to diners. They want restaurants already imposing a 10 per cent service charge to offer what they consider a "basic necessity" at no extra cost. The petition on which started in May 24, comes despite earlier concerns from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) about water wastage and the additional costs such a move could impose on businesses. Petition creator Yee Yucai, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Internal Medicine department, told AsiaOne on Thursday (June 19) he observed how food and beverage outlets seem to be "encouraging" diners to buy drinks to "boost profit margins" - even though the Government has been urging Singaporeans to cut down on sugar in their diets. Dr Yee said: "The last straw that broke the camel's back for me was when I recently brought my family to an expensive buffet, about $60 per person. "And they had the audacity not to serve water and instead requiring us to pay an extra $5 for free-flow beverages. I thought it was going too far." According to the 2022 National Nutrition Survey, Singapore adults consume an average of 56g of sugar daily, with over half came from sweetened beverages. F&B outlets incur costs in providing table water The suggestion of water being made for free at eateries have been brought up in Parliament on both sides of the political aisle. In 2021, Member of Parliament Christopher de Souza made the case since Singapore's tap water is safe to drink. He questioned then "whether table water can be mandatorily made free-of-charge at F&B establishments". And during MSE's Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam urged the ministry to work with eateries, coffee shops and shopping malls to provide free or low-cost drinking water as a best practice. But Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu argued there is no basis to mandate that F&B establishments serve tap water free-of-charge under the Environmental Public Health Act. "While Singapore's water is safe to drink straight from the tap, it is not free as food and beverage (F&B) establishments have to pay for the water," she said. "They also incur cost in providing table water such as cost of washing the glasses and containers and in serving the water." Additional costs to eateries 'very minimal': Dr Yee On this, Dr Yee said that he was not aware that the free water suggestion had been raised in Parliament as early as 2021. "I was a bit disappointed to find that it was sort of dismissed," said the 39-year-old. Dr Yee understands the concerns raised by the ministry and businesses, but added that the additional costs are "very minimal". He referred to the cost of portable water for non-domestic use in Singapore, which according to the Public Utilities Board, is at $3.24 per cubic metre. "If each customer drinks two cups at about 400 ml of tap water, the cost comes up to just 0.13 cents per person," he said. "This is negligible when compared to water used for cooking, washing, and other operational needs. "I feel something like this [eateries providing free water] is considered a necessity, a basic service." [[nid:650609]] chingshijie@
