'Food security goes beyond availability'

FAISALABAD:

FAISALABAD

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) organised an awareness walk and seminar to mark World Food Day, highlighting the need to address hunger, malnutrition, food security and food safety through sustainable food systems, public awareness and research-based interventions.

UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali said food security should not be measured solely by food availability but also by its nutritional quality, safety, affordability and accessibility.

He stressed that ensuring a healthy and balanced diet for all segments of society was essential to building a healthier and more productive nation.

Malnutrition remained a major challenge, particularly among children and vulnerable communities, requiring coordinated efforts to improve dietary diversity and access to nutritious food, he added.

The vice chancellor also emphasised the importance of food safety, warning that contaminated and substandard food could cause serious health problems.

He called for reducing food waste at every stage, from production and storage to transportation and consumption, to make better use of available resources.

Dean of Food Sciences Dr Imran Pasha said public awareness of balanced diets and healthy lifestyles was essential to tackling malnutrition.

He stressed that food safety standards must be followed at every stage, including preparation, storage, transportation and consumption, to protect public health.