Extending jurisdiction: PFA starts training workshops for district administrations

There will be no compromise on food quality, says PFA director general

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority has started arranging training workshops for members of its task forces, DCOs and the district administrations throughout the province with the aim to extend the PFA’s jurisdiction, Dr Sajid Chauhan, director general of the authority, said on Sunday.

He was speaking at one of the training sessions held at the Professional Development Department. The minister and secretary for food also attended the training. Food safety experts of the PFA and the University of Veterinary Science highlighted protective measures against adulteration of food.

The idea is to ensure provision of safe food to people throughout the Punjab, he said. “PFA’s crackdown against restaurants and hotels selling substandard food will continue. However, there will be no discrimination or injustice during the process.”

The chief minister had issued instructions for a stringent crackdown to ensure a culture of food safety in the province, Chauhan said. “This must be done with the cooperation of hotel and restaurant owners.”

He said food authority officials will not compromise on safety measures in hotels and restaurants. He stressed the need for owners to train their kitchen staff, waiters and other employees with regard to hygiene.

The PFA would check if eateries in the province are implementing rules and regulations. These eateries will be graded according to the Punjab Food Authority Scoring System.

Chauhan said hotels owners should pay special attention to keeping kitchens clean.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2015.