LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) plans to prohibit the sale of junk food and other unhygienic items at all canteens and cafeterias in educational institutions after its scientific panel strongly recommended a proposal in this regard.

The proposal after a formal approval will be incorporated in the new laws and regulations being introduced soon by amending the PFA Act-2011, according to a spokesman for the authority.

The spokesman stated in a press release that a meeting of the PFA’s scientific panel was held here on Thursday.

Presided over by PFA Additional Director General (Technical) Dr Shah Zaib, the food experts, including 21 PhD doctors, discussed various activities in the wake of introducing new laws.

Keeping in view students’ health, the participants proposed that a ban should be imposed on the sale of all sorts of junk food in cafeterias/canteens of schools, colleges and universities across the province.

They also proposed allowing sale of hygienic food items in the institutions.

The participants reached a consensus on finalizing new regulations and introducing them within a short span of time.

Meanwhile, PFA Director General Noorul Amin Mengal sought creating awareness among the public about the junk food’s harmful effects on public health.

He also directed the PFA officials to follow the requisite procedure while inspecting restaurants, eateries, etc.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2017