QUETTA: The Balochistan government has banned sale and consumption of carbonated drinks in educational institutions and decided not to allow sale of Ajinomoto salt in the province, declaring it harmful for health.

The decisions were made in the first meeting of the recently established Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) here on Friday. Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani was in the chair.

BFA Director General retired Major Bashir Ahmed briefed the meeting about the working of the authority. Members of the authority Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran and Asghar Khan Achakzai and officials concerned attended the meeting. It was decided in the meeting that a ban on the sale of Gutka would be strictly implemented.

The participants expressed concern over negative impact of consumption of substandard food items on the health of people, especially women and children.

They observed that the iron deficiency was badly affecting health of women and children and physical growth of children. In view of this situation, it was decided that flour miles and oil producing factories would be made bound to include vitamins, minerals and iron in flour and cooking oil.

The provincial government would establish BFA directorates at divisional level in six months.

The meeting also approved appointment of special magistrates in the BFA and hiring the services of food technologist and health experts on deputation.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2019