The court noted that flour packed in old cement bags contributed to serious illnesses
Bags of flour being unloaded in Karachi’s Jodia Bazaar. PHOTO: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court on Saturday imposed a ban on the use of substandard bags for packaging food, warning that the practice poses serious health risks.
In a written judgment issued by Justice Azam Khan, the court observed that flour packed in old cement bags was contributing to serious diseases including cancer.
The court directed the Federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the four provinces to coordinate the enforcement of the ban. Chief secretaries and provincial food authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order within their respective jurisdictions.
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The IHC further ordered the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and the Ministry of Food to submit a comprehensive compliance report within three months.
The court ordered the authorities to launch a nationwide effort within 30 days against the manufacture, storage and sale of substandard bags used for food packaging.
It also ordered raids on factories, warehouses and shops involved in producing or distributing such bags, with instructions to confiscate the material. The court said violators should not only be fined but also face criminal charges and arrests.
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“The law is not meant only for display in books but for the protection of life and property of citizens,” the court observed in its decision.
Authorities are tasked with ensuring prompt and effective enforcement to protect public health.
