KARACHI: Highlight­ing how contamination in the food chain jeopardises public health, speakers at a programme held in connection with World Food Day on Wednesday stressed the urgent need for strict adherence to global safety standards to effectively prevent foodborne illnesses and enhance Pakistan’s potential in agricultural exports.

They were speaking at an event titled “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” organised by the College of Engineering & Technology, Food Science & Technology Programme, Ziauddin University.

The programme aimed to raise awareness about global food security and sustainability, foster collaboration among key stakeholders, and explore innovative solutions to food-related challenges.

Addressing food contamination, Dr Mudassir Nazir, Manager of Business Development at SGS Pakistan Private Limited and the keynote speaker, said the risk of contamination throughout the supply chain was high due to unsafe practices.

“Compliance with international food safety standards is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation to protect consumers,” he remarked.

He stressed the essential role of third-party verification systems in ensuring that food products meet rigorous safety requirements and are free from harmful contaminants.

“These systems act as a safety net, assuring consumers that the food they purchase is safe for consumption,” he added, calling for increased awareness and implementation of such practices across the industry.

Dr Saqib Arif, Principal Scientific Officer at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, discussed pressing food safety concerns specific to rice production in Pakistan.

According to him, despite the country being the fourth-largest rice exporter globally, frequent rejections from international markets are primarily due to aflatoxin—a family of toxins produced by certain fungi found in agricultural crops—contamination in rice samples.

“These contamination issues significantly hinder our global competitiveness and affect our reputation as a reliable supplier,” Dr Arif remarked. He pointed out that the potential for growth in this sector remains substantial, but achieving it requires concerted efforts to improve quality control measures.

Moreover, urging stakeholders to prioritise food safety, he said, “Implementing stricter quality assurance protocols is essential not only for safeguarding public health but also for enhancing the quality and safety of Pakistan’s agricultural exports.”

Dr Arif concluded by calling for collaboration among all stakeholders to create a more robust food safety framework that can elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global market.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2024