PFA approves sale of pasteurised milk

Provision of pure milk will be ensured with support from all departments

LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has approved the preparation and sale of pasteurised milk in the provincial capital on an experimental basis.

During the experimental period, there will be no ban on the sale of open milk. Following the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the food authority approved the sale of pasteurised milk to ensure the provision of pure, unadulterated and healthy milk in the provincial capital.

PFA Director General (DG) Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman said that in order to examine the demand of pasteurized milk, surveys will be conducted from different areas of the city. “The operation teams will survey for the demand and quality of milk in each household.”

In light of the result of this survey, arrangements will be made for supplying pasteurised milk. The DG added that in areas where there is pasteurised milk, the loose variety will also be available there. “The public is aware of the problems of loose milk and the benefits of pasteurized milk.” Content has also been finalised for public awareness on pasteurization.

PFA officials said that all appropriate media will be used for public awareness. The team will also give awareness lectures during the door to door survey free of charge. The provision of pure milk will be ensured with the support and consultation of all departments concerned, including livestock.

The food authority has given a deadline in 2022 to impose a ban on the sale of loose milk. The unit will be installed in different areas of the provincial capital for the pasteurisation of milk where dairy farms and milkmen will be registered.

The quality of milk brought to the pasteurization unit will be checked on the spot and records will be kept. Details such as unit name, packing and expiry date will be written on the packaging of the pasteurized milk.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2019.