KARACHI: The Sindh Food Authority (SFA) is going to set up its second food testing laboratory, for which Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has promised to provide space in a building in District East.

This was announced by SFA Director General Muzammil Halipoto during his recent discussions with the mayor.

A statement issued by the SFA on Saturday said: “In addition to changing the culture at SFA, simplifying the licensing procedure, and fully facilitating businesses in dealing with SFA-related issues, we are also looking into the possibility of reducing the lab test charges so that businesses face a minimal burden,” Mr Halipoto said during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Senior Vice President Altaf A. Ghaffar, Vice President Tanveer Barry, Former Vice President Younus Soomro, KCCI Managing Committee members, and other businessmen associated with the food business also attended the meeting.

The SFA chief categorically warned that there would be no leniency, and heavy penalties would be imposed on sellers of food products involved in adulteration, selling food in unhygienic conditions, or engaging in any other illegal activities. “We are completely focused on quality and safety, which simply cannot be compromised, as it is a matter of life and death,” he added.

Halipoto further informed that the SFA carries out 5,000-6,000 inspections every month, and heavy penalties are imposed only when a business is found to be involved in adulteration.

On KCCI request, SFA chief hints at reducing lab test charges

Commenting on concerns expressed about publicising information that damages business reputations, the SFA chief stated that the Authority strictly maintains the confidentiality of all its inspections and ensures that business details are not publicised at any stage.

Replying to a question, he said that the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) had no interference in the work being carried out by the SFA, which strictly takes action and performs all its activities in accordance with the Authority’s Act. “If any PSQCA official visits your business premises, you may approach us for assistance, and we will look into such matters,” he assured.

Earlier, KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, while welcoming the SFA official, stated that it had always been one of the top priorities of the Karachi Chamber to act as a bridge between the business community and the heads of various departments, including the SFA, so that the grievances faced by businesses can be thoroughly discussed and amicably resolved.

He mentioned that the SFA required businesses to register their packaged products by submitting a fee of Rs7,000 per product and six kilograms of product samples, totaling around Rs15,000 per product, which poses an excessive burden, especially for businesses offering a wide range of products.

The PSQCA already handled product registration for 40 key items in Pakistan. Globally, only brands are registered, not individual products; hence, the SFA’s requirement seems impractical.

He said that the SFA often imposed heavy fines for minor violations, with only one or two days for payment. “Such practices create financial pressure on businesses, particularly small ones. Therefore, fines should be more reasonable, with adequate time allowed for compliance.”

He stressed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be collectively formulated and aligned with established best practices. Meanwhile, inspections and penalties should be limited until the revised SOPs are finalised in consultation with stakeholders.

He noted that the KCCI had received several reports of harassment and intimidation by SFA officials, including threats of immediate shutdowns. This, he argued, goes against the SFA’s purpose, which is to improve food standards and support reforms. The focus, he added, should be on collaboration and improvement, not heavy-handed enforcement.

He also suggested that during inspections, if any violations are found, they should not be publicised through media or social platforms. Efforts should first be made to issue an improvement notice, but if improvements are not made, penalties should then be imposed. Publicising violations negatively impacts exports and tarnishes Pakistan’s reputation.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2024