MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): There has been a significance development in the establishment of a static food testing laboratory in Azad Kashmir.
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the establishment of a static Food Testing Laboratory, a committee comprising officers from the Food Authority and other relevant departments conducted a detailed inspection of the Animal Husbandry Department’s building at Rara.
The visit was conducted to assess the available space, infrastructure, technical requirements, and administrative matters for establishing a static food testing laboratory in the said building.
Senior officers from the Food Department, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Central Design Office (CDO), and Building & Housing were present on the occasion.
In addition, relevant technical and field officers were also involved in the inspection process. During the visit, initial working related to the establishment of the laboratory, building structure, security arrangements, electricity, water, and other basic facilities were reviewed, and necessary preliminary tasks were completed.
Officers from various departments also presented their suggestions and observations regarding their respective responsibilities.
Lab to improve food quality testing system
According to officials, the establishment of a static food testing laboratory will significantly help strengthen the food quality testing system, take effective action against substandard and harmful products, and ensure the provision of safe food to the public.
In this regard, recommendations will be prepared and sent to the relevant forums in the next phase.
It is worth noting that due to lack of modern food testing facilities, selling of sub-standard food items remains a health hazard in Azad Kashmir.
