A delegation led by Dr. Palitha Gunarathna met with Raja Jahangir Anwar, Director General of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), on Monday.
The delegation pledged full support for medical screening, training, and awareness initiatives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to assist in training officers and developing international-style regulations. Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala expressed concerns about rising infant formula usage’s impact on maternal and child health.
To enhance maternal care, an awareness campaign is in the works to underscore the benefits of mother’s milk for newborns’ health.
Ensuring a Safe Food Supply
PFA is aligning its efforts with international organizations to ensure a safe food supply in Punjab. Both sides emphasized the importance of improving laboratories and will be offering free training and medical screening for food handlers.
The PFA Director General outlined plans for a cost-effective testing system for food-borne diseases in Punjab.
Training and medical screening for food handlers will also be intensified.
Creating Biodiesel from Used Oil
Efforts to reduce the ratio of trans-fatty acids, a major contributor to coronary heart disease, are underway using all available resources.
The PFA is taking strong measures to prevent the use of expired oil in the food industry and is even engaging international companies to produce biodiesel from used oil.
Dr. Palitha commended the PFA for its significant steps concerning infant formula. The WHO is set to assist in training officers and establishing international-level regulations.
Punjab Food Authority’s commitment to ensuring a safe food supply across the province reflects international organizational models.
