The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has imposed ban on the sale of dairy drinks being sold in market and issued a deadline of December 05 to the companies to recall their stock from the market. PFA Director General Muhammad Usman said that the decision to this effect was taken on the recommendations of PFA scientific panel.
He further said that children use dairy drink as replacement of milk and consider it as nutrient-rich. But, as a matter of fact, these are produced after extracting healthy fat and creams from milk and are low in solid fat. Usman further said that companies are selling flavored milk in the market which is a labeling fraud. He requested the citizens to avoid buying such products and use homemade products as they are best for children's growth.
Meanwhile, the PFA also decided to launch an awareness campaign through social media about nutrition among the masses. It would use its Facebook page for the general public. This was decided in a meeting held to review progress of public relations and awareness wing of last two months at his office on Friday.
Muhammad Usman said that qualified nutrition expert will be available on the page for guidance of general public. He said the PFA will also share live coverage of operation teams on its page occasionally. Usman said it will share instructions for food business operators.
The PFA will also launch a programme titled "My Menu" sharing the list of healthy and affordable food with the public. It is utilizing all available resources for the community awareness.