LAHORE: A nationwide survey on milk quality and safety, conducted by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), indicates that 54 per cent of loose milk samples were found unsuitable for human consumption, and a striking 92 per cent did not comply with quality and safety standards.

This survey was done in 11 cities across Pakistan and included the collection of 1,206 samples during both winter and summer seasons. The research assessed compliance with five crucial quality and safety parameters, encompassing composition, adulteration, antibiotic residues, aflatoxin M1, and heavy metals.

The detailed research findings were presented during a special health seminar held in Lahore on Tuesday. The seminar was graced by the presence of Associate Professor Dr. Azmat Ullah Khan from the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, who shared the outcomes of the survey.

Also in attendance at the seminar were notable figures, including UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasim Ahmed, University of Education VC Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, and Pakistan Medical Association President Prof. Dr. Ashraf Nizami.

According to the report, Pakistan is the fourth largest milk producing country in the world, but around 95 percent of the milk consumed is loose milk, which reaches the end consumer through an informal and unregulated multi-layered distribution system of middlemen. This traditional loose milk supply chain system lacks proper transportation and storage facilities, resulting in serious food safety issues at consumer level.

The report stated that loose milk is highly perishable and susceptible to microbial growth and survival, and is a vehicle of food-borne pathogens. In addition to microbial contamination, residues from antimicrobial drugs, pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals and adulterants have also been found in loose milk that pose serious risk to public health.The report recommended immediate intervention by regulatory authorities and mass awareness of the consequences for consumer health and safety.

Prof Ahmed said the UVAS was working closely with livestock, poultry, dairy, meat and food industries to solve the issues related to food safety and quality.

He said that a think tank was established to arrange stakeholder meetings and conduct problem-solving research.

Prof Pasha said that traceability is the only way to ensure food safety in the country.

He urged to disseminate consumer awareness regarding quality food, farmer education and adopt latest methods of milk supply chain for healthy milk.

Prof Nizami supported the school meal programme to curb malnutrition and stunting issues in school-going students.

workshop: Forman Christian College’s Faculty of Humanities, in collaboration with the Journalism and Media International Center (JMIC) at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway, opened a three-day “Peace Journalism Workshop” on Tuesday. The workshop focuses on essential discussions in Pakistani journalism that revolve around peace, balance, and harmony, embracing an inclusive approach to enhancing audience well-being and ensuring the survival of mainstream journalists.

The workshop has participants from various academic backgrounds, postgraduate students, and journalists, both from Pakistan and abroad.

Dr Elizabeth Eide shared her insights on “seeing the world from the other side” and provided a historical perspective on covering conflicts.

Multimedia journalist and the founder of Data Stories, Khalid Khattak, discussed the challenges journalists face in the age of clickbait competition. He also delved into the dilemma of maintaining objectivity while remaining competitively relevant on social media.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023