LAHORE: The Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been passed by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs with a view to expanding the scope and powers of the provincial regulator to tackle contamination, adulteration and counterfeit products.

Under the proposed amendments, the authority’s mandate will be widened to cover cosmetics, biomedical devices, alternative and biological medicines, orthopaedic implants, animal feed, soil quality and water contamination, along with raw materials used in manufacturing.

Clear legal definitions for these categories have been added to strengthen enforcement and oversight.

The bill empowers the authority to conduct forensic testing, accredit laboratories, procure advanced scientific equipment and issue expert opinions on a broad range of products affecting human, animal and environmental health.

It also authorises systematic sampling from manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers to address public health risks.

A key change includes restructuring the authority’s governing framework, with the home department secretary designated as a member, reflecting a stronger enforcement-oriented approach.

According to the statement of objects, the amendment aims to curb the growing menace of fake, substandard and unsafe products in agriculture, food and healthcare sectors, while improving regulatory control over environmental factors such as soil and water quality.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025