Staff Reporter
Peshawar
PepsiCo Pakistan, the Pakistan Council on Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) and KP Food Safety and Halal Authority jointly organized a seminar titled ‘Food Safety; A Collaborative Approach’. The event aimed at raising awareness about food safety served as a forum for collaboration amongst some of the key stakeholders in the food value chain.
KP Minister for Food Qalandar Khan Lodhi commented, “Food safety is a serious issue and a meaningful resolution will require a concerted effort from all the stakeholders present here. The KP government through its Food Safety and Halal Food Authority had been working tirelessly to raise awareness on food safety across the province. I would like to recognize PepsiCo’s initiative of ensuring long-term and sustainable progress in food safety. Forums such as this seminar offer a great opportunity for sharing best practices and perspectives.”
Suhail Khan, DG KP Food Safety and Halal Food Authority remarked,” In order to prevent foodborne diseases and to protect the health of our families and communities we must all ensure that food safety is a top priority for all of us.”
Director Corporate Affairs PepsiCo Pakistan, Hatim Khan said, “Food safety is a top priority for PepsiCo. We are happy to collaborate on this multi-stakeholder approach to food safety championed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Authority and the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. We will continue to support such knowledge sharing platforms.”
The event was attended by over 100 participants and had representation from government bodies, academia, industry and trade associations. A panel of experts shared their knowledge and experiences of food safety aspects through various technical presentations. This was followed by a panel discussion on the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the food value chain.
DG PCSIR, Farid Ullah Khan in his address said, “Economic losses are directly linked with failure in Food Safety but can be overcome by using modern techniques. It is my ask from all able stakeholders gathered here today to come together to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to food safety issues.”
He especially mentioned that PCSIR Peshawar is located at an ideal position regarding the agriculture products as there are several foods and herbal processing units in its vicinity. Peshawar is also a dry port and hub of imports and exports of the food and herbal products to the Gulf countries, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
He said that we should avail maximum benefits from such pivotal location to add to our foreign exchange reserves.
