Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on World Food Safety Day, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the provision of safe and nutritious food for all.
She said every individual associated with agriculture, food production and supply systems plays a vital role in ensuring food safety. The day highlights the importance of preventing, detecting and effectively managing food-borne diseases and related risks in a timely manner.
The chief minister noted that a comprehensive report estimating the global, regional and national burden of food-borne diseases, deaths and their impact on public health has also been published. Maryam Nawaz said combating food-borne illnesses and malnutrition is a shared responsibility. She observed that Punjab is blessed with fertile land, hardworking farmers and abundant agricultural resources, but faces challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, population growth and changing food consumption patterns. She added that coordinated and comprehensive strategies are being implemented to address these issues.
The chief minister said the Punjab government is undertaking extensive measures based on agricultural research and modern technology to enhance crop productivity and mitigate the effects of climate change. She appealed to research institutions, the private sector and civil society to play their role in building a safe, resilient and healthy food system.
Maryam Nawaz said access to pure, nutritious and quality food free from harmful chemicals, adulteration and substandard ingredients is the fundamental right of every citizen. She added that, under the chief minister’s vision, the Punjab Food Authority is carrying out strict crackdowns against food adulteration and ensuring the availability of quality food across the province. She further said that strict implementation of the one-dish policy at weddings and other events is being ensured to reduce food wastage. Special measures have also been introduced to improve food standards and hygiene practices among small shopkeepers and street vendors.
The chief minister said awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage the public, particularly children and young people, to adopt balanced and healthy diets instead of consuming junk food.