KARACHI, Oct 15: The Pakistan Medical Association expressed its deep concern over manufacture and sale of substandard, counterfeit and adulterated products in the country, especially in Karachi, and urged the government to take this matter seriously so that people could get healthy food.

The World Standard Day with the theme “Standard for Safer World” was observed on Oct 14. The idea for observing this day was to provide and promote awareness to the general public about the importance of standards for human safety and protection against substandard counterfeit products.

In its statement issued here on Saturday, the PMA said: “In our country, we are facing air pollution, water contamination and adulteration in food items. Substandard materials are being used in multi-storied and apartments as well.”

It further said that there was no system to check the builders, as what quality building material was being used by them. The PMA in this connection quoted recent example of Margalla Towers tragedy in Islamabad, adding that the situation is Karachi in this regard is very serious.“Atmosphere pollution is causing respiratory and chest problems,” it added.

The PMA said that the cases of waterborne diseases were increasing geometrically, particularly in Karachi. It was regretted that artificial colour, sweets and sour were being used in food items causing cancer.

There was no role of the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority, the PMA said, adding that people are usingubstandard product and there is no authority to check these adulteration.—PPI