‘Province bound to follow PSQCA standards’
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has said only they will have the powers to set standards for all food and beverages, while all provinces will be bound to adopt them.
PSQCA sources said this was decided in the 44th meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Wednesday, adding that the PSQCA has also started checking the certification and labeling of food items following this decision. Several major companies have submitted applications to the PCQCA for certification and a comprehensive policy is likely to be formulated in this regard.
The PSQCA would also have the authority to certify food items to reduce the burden of multiple or double certifications, while the provinces would ensure compliance of standards in the markets.
On the other hand, provincial governments would register businesses for selling food items and issue licences to set up factories. The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued a formal notification to ensure implementation of this decision.
PSQCA officers also issued instructions to regional directorates and liaison offices for certification of all food items under the conformity assessment scheme.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2022.