Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) under Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with Nestle Pakistan is organizing a National Conference titled "Food Safety and Harmonization: shaping a Healthier Nation" on November 22.
The conference aims to address the issues around food harmonization. Food regulations remain fragmented in Pakistan, causing barriers to trade between provinces and federal and lead to increased complexity which adversely affects foreign investment.
Well renowned expert, the outgoing chairperson of Codex Alimentarius Commission, Awilo Ochieng Pernet will also be gracing this conference and will highlight the need of science based harmonized regulation for Pakistan. This is the first time that someone who is such an authority on the subject is coming to Pakistan to meet both provincial and federal officials to discuss the issue of harmonisation.
Elaborating on the need for harmonization Dr Shahzad Alam, Chairman PCSIR said, "Harmonization of food safety legislation based on scientific principles, in line with CODEX standards and guidelines, will lead towards the promotion of trade and safety of consumers.