Karachi to have second food testing lab

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has agreed to provide space for a second food testing lab in District East, near Peoples Chowrangi. This was revealed by Muzammil Halepoto, Director General (DG) of the Sindh Food Authority (SFA), during a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the other day.

Halepoto reiterated the SFA's commitment to simplifying the licensing process and facilitating businesses in dealing with SFA-related issues. "We are also considering reducing lab test charges to mitigate the financial burden on businesses," he added.

The SFA DG vowed zero tolerance for the sale of unhealthy or adulterated food products. "Offenders will face severe penalties, regardless of whether they are involved in selling harmful food or engaging in other illicit activities," he added. "Our focus is on quality and safety, which cannot be compromised as it is a matter of life and death." Halepoto recalled that after assuming the charge he found that the SFA had no presence in 14 Sindh districts. "We immediately established a presence in all 30 districts of the province," he said. "Over the past three months, five teams were dismissed due to negligence."

The SFA conducts 5,000 to 6,000 inspections each month, imposing strict penalties only in cases of fraudulent activities. While inspection teams can impose fines of up to Rs50,000, more stringent penalties require evidence submission and approval from senior officials for serious violations, Halepoto added.