PHOTO: FILE
The provincial food regulatory body has divided juices into six categories on the basis of the standard and quantity of fruit. Muhammad Usman said carbonated and non-carbonated fruit flavoured drunks were being sold in the market, but they lacked the natural nutrition of fruit.
He added drinks, produced with chemical contamination and artificial flavours, had a negative impact on the growth of consumers. The DG said that fruit beverages and drinks should contain 8% or more of fruit ingredients. “As well as the amount of fruit, the fruit squash product should be 25% to 50%.” He stated it would become compulsory for companies to write the quantities of ingredients on the packing of fruit drinks.
He advised locals to give preference to homemade juices instead of packed beverages being sold in the market. “People should choose more fruitful drinks as it is compulsory to consume natural juice.”
Meanwhile, the PFA has heard as many as 2,155 cases of different food-related issues at its headquarters during the last two months. This was stated by PFA Headquarters Additional Director General Wing Lubna Usman as she presented a performance report to the PFA Director General Captain (R) Muhammad Usman on Monday.
According to the report, PFA has heard 376 cases related to the Central Lahore Region, 321 from north Rawalpindi Region and 295 cases from the south region in September. In addition, the PFA North Region and South Region have referred 379 and 352 cases, respectively, in October.
DG Muhammad Usman said that normal cases were heard online in the respective districts for the convenience of the public. He said the online hearing facility is available only for normal cases. The online hearing facility was provided for food business operators to save their time and the expenses of travel. Meanwhile, adulteration cases were heard by the DG.
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