ACCORDING to the Global Food Security Index 2020, Pakistan ranked 80th out of 113 countries in the provision of safe and quality food, and lagged behind almost all South Asian countries. Unsafe food is harmful to health and causes many food-borne illnesses which include diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting and allergies, and may cause cancer as well. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that unsafe food is still affecting millions across the globe during the ongoing Covid pandemic.

As an employee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety Authority (KPFSA), I observe a lot of problems in the food we consume on a daily basis. For instance, food colours unfit for human consumption are used in soft drinks, toffees, ice creams and other sweets in the bakeries.

Also, artificial sweeteners, which are highly toxic to human health, are added to food instead of natural sugar. A majority of artificial colours are generally known as ‘cosmetic colours’ and they are carcinogenic in nature not only when ingested, but also when applied to the skin.

There are many other problems in the food sector, like selling expired items, mislabelling and misbranding the food items, and the sale of seriously harmful drinks in the market.

The awareness about the potential health risks of non-food colours has grown in Europe and other Western countries, but in Pakistan many people do not know or care about its possible harmful effects. Each batch of artificial colours must be testified and certified by a qualified chemist.

Food-borne diseases hinder socioeconomic development, destabilise the economy and cause a lot of burden on the healthcare system.

The relevant authorities should take action against those involved in making food adulterated and unsafe for the masses. Besides, the level of public awareness on this issue needs to be raised.

Muhammad Zafar Mahsud
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2021