Adulteration in ghee and oil
Sunday, 18 Apr, 2010
AS reported in Dawn (March 30), the curse of adulteration in food items is so pervasive that a wide variety of ghee and edible oil is stated to be contaminated.
This horrible information was disclosed by no less a person than the federal minister of science and technology, who is also in charge of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
The minister, while complaining about the shortage of funds and inadequate infrastructure at the disposal of the ministry, brought to the notice of parliament the malice of widespread adulteration in oil and ghee.
Although the prime minister was also attending the proceedings, surprisingly no reaction was shown by him or ruling party members on this dreadful disclosure as reported in the news.
Ghee and oil are some of the most extensively consumable food items of the kitchen. Only proper survey and investigation can unveil to what extent consumption of 90 per cent contaminated foodstuff over a period of time has damaged the health of the people.
The most surprising aspect of this episode, however, is that the ministry of science and technology took such a long time to disclose the malady which affects every household of the country.
The PSQCA, a self-financed organisation working with 81 scientists/engineers and 254 supporting staff, is also a member of the International Organisation for Standardisation, International Electro-technical Commission and International Organisation of Legal Metrology.
Its main function is to foster and promote standards and conformity assessment as a means of advancing the national economy, promoting industrial efficiency and development, ensuring the health and safety of the public, protecting consumers, etc.
What penal action has the PSQCA taken against the manufacturers/importers of unhygienic ghee and oil? Why weren’t those who indulged in unhealthy activities exposed in the media? These questions need to be answered by the ministry concerned and the PSQCA.
In the meanwhile initiate penal proceedings should be initiated against all irresponsible ghee and oil manufactures/importers who have caused incalculable loss to public health.
AMIR KHAN
Hyderabad
source:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/...ee-and-oil-840
and i wonder why diseases like diabetes,heart diseases,kidney failure and cancer are increasing automatically
and mostly young people are getting affected ,must be some real damaging factor involved
there was a report lately where in lahore a building is sealed where ghee is prepared from the intestines of animals,chickens and fats of cattle specially from cows.and is packed in renowned names packings and sale at good centres.