Adulteration in Food Items and Its Legal Implications

The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) took up the issue of adulterated food items in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), its legal implications and measures adopted by the government to curb this menace.

Other points of discussion included the role of district administration in controlling the debasement of food items, rules and regulations about hygienic food in KP, laboratory tests of food items, health hazards caused by adulteration of food items, and penalties imposed against the offenders by the district government in Peshawar. The show also highlighted the role of government and media in educating public about the importance of safe and hygienic food.

Mr. Ateeq Humayun, a senior journalist, was the in-studio guest while Mr. Kashif Uddin, a Peshawar based journalist, shared his views through live call.

Mr. Humayun said: “The KP government must empower the health department and devise an effective mechanism to curb the dilution and adulteration of food items. This problem has already caused many health issues in the entire province.”

Mr. Kashif said: “The current penalties for adulteration do not conform to the type of contamination crimes being perpetrated. Rules should conform to the level of the threat.”

A radio report shared data about the culprits found involved in mixing of chemicals into milk in district Peshawar.

Three callers participated live in the program. They urged the food control department to expand its checks and control to the far flung districts of KP.

About Sabawoon

Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.