PFA to test intensity of pesticides in fields

Food watchdog will formulate a strategy on use of insecticides

To ensure the provision of quality and safe food, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) will test pesticides sprinkled in fields to protect vegetables and fruits from insects for laboratory analysis. The purpose of the laboratory test is to know the presence and intensity of toxic substances in fruits and vegetables.



This decision was taken in a meeting chaired by PFA Director General Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman, held at his office on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by PFA additional director general (operations), PFA additional director general (technical) and other officers concerned.

Muhammad Usman said the PFA would prepare a comprehensive strategy for further proceeding in the light of laboratory report in collaboration with agriculture department. He said the strategy would help eliminate the remaining effects of toxic pesticides which hit to consumers health. He said several insect killers and insecticide do not remove speedily and their ingredients remain late in fruits and vegetables. “The PFA will keep an eye on the use of pesticide in fields as per law. We are already discouraging the practice of growing vegetables with untreated and industrial wastewater,” he mentioned.



Meanwhile, the PFA launched a province-wide crackdown against jams (maraba) manufacturing units for inspecting the quality of food and food safety standards on Wednesday.

Following the directives of PFA DG, the food safety teams under the supervision of food safety officers have visited 43 units in a daylong activity.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2018.