PFA launches milk traceability system
The Punjab Food Authority has introduced a ‘milk traceability system’ in 10 tehsils of the province to trace the product from the farms to stores and homes.
PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid briefed the media on Tuesday about the system, its execution as well as registration of milk carrier vehicles.
He said the system was meant to keep track of where the milk comes from, how it's processed and how it reaches homes. “This way, we can ensure that the milk we use is safe, clean and up to the standards set by the authority,” he said.
In the first phase, the PFA has selected the 10 tehsils of Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Multan, Sahiwal and Bahawalpur for the programme.
Read: Nearly 2,000 litres of tainted milk destroyed
The DG said it would be compulsory for milk suppliers to register with the PFA by the end of March. All milk tankers, chillers, pick-ups, bikes and rickshaws will be registered under the traceability system.
He termed the system a big step towards ensuring consumer confidence and promoting transparency in the dairy industry, which would also add value to their products.
He said complete record of the daily milk supply of the registered milkmen and suppliers would be maintained.
Muhammad Asim said that more than 400 million litres of milk had been checked across the province since 2017. The PFA discarded 8.24 million litres of substandard and adulterated milk.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 21st 2024.