Sindh Food Safety Laws Need Stronger Enforcement, CAP Urges Modern Testing Labs
Consumer body calls for technology-driven regulation, stronger enforcement and scientific food testing to protect public health.
CAP conference calls for stronger food safety enforcement and modern testing laboratories in Sindh
KARACHI: The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has urged the Sindh government to strengthen food safety enforcement and establish modern food-testing laboratories, saying scientific testing and technology-based regulation are essential to protect consumers.
Speaking at the 17th Consumers Food Safety & Quality Conference and Awards 2026 in Karachi, CAP Chairman Kaukab Iqbal said food safety is a fundamental consumer right and stressed that traditional inspections alone are no longer sufficient to tackle adulteration and contamination.
The conference, organised in collaboration with the Sindh Food Authority at Pearl-Continental Hotel, was held under the theme “Smart Food Safety: Technology, Data & Stronger Regulations.” It brought together government officials, regulators, diplomats, food industry representatives, hospitality professionals and consumer-rights advocates.
Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Competition Commission of Pakistan Chairman Farid Ahmed Tarar, Secretary Food Sindh, DG Sindh Food Authority Shahzad Fazal Abbasi, Senators Amir Waliuddin Chishti and Abdul Qayum Soomro attended the event.
Kaukab Iqbal called for the establishment of advanced laboratories capable of conducting fast and reliable scientific analysis of food samples. He said digital monitoring, traceability systems and data-driven regulation would help identify risks before unsafe products reach consumers.
He also urged stronger accountability across the entire food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution and retail, while praising the Sindh Food Authority for its ongoing efforts to improve food regulation.
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Participants agreed that preventive, technology-based monitoring should replace conventional inspection methods to improve public health and consumer confidence.
The conference also featured diplomats from Oman, Japan, Morocco and Sri Lanka, highlighting international cooperation on food safety standards.
During the event, CAP presented the Consumers Food Safety & Quality Awards 2026 to leading organisations and professionals for excellence in food quality, hygiene, innovation, hospitality and consumer protection.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting stronger regulations, scientific testing and effective enforcement, stating that protecting consumers requires close cooperation between regulators, industry and the public.
