Pakistan has launched a nationwide review of food quality after laboratory testing found that a significant number of packaged food samples failed to meet national safety and quality standards.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed provincial authorities and relevant regulatory bodies to conduct a comprehensive survey of loose and unpackaged edible oil, ghee and milk across the country. The move comes after concerns were raised over the quality and safety of commonly consumed food products.
According to the assessment, 176 out of 491 packaged food samples—around 36%—failed to meet the required national standards. The tested products included banaspati ghee, cooking oil, packaged milk and milk powder, highlighting concerns across several important food categories.
The findings have prompted authorities to expand testing beyond packaged products and examine food being sold without standardized packaging or labeling. Loose food products can present additional challenges for regulators because their quality, storage conditions and production sources may be more difficult to monitor.
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The nationwide survey is expected to help authorities identify products and areas where food safety regulations may not be adequately enforced. Officials will review the findings and develop recommendations for stronger regulatory measures where necessary.
For consumers, the initiative highlights the importance of maintaining strict food safety standards, particularly for everyday products such as milk, cooking oil and ghee. Poor-quality food can pose serious risks when safety standards are ignored or products are improperly processed, stored or handled.
The government says the broader assessment is aimed at ensuring that food available to consumers is safe, healthy and compliant with national standards.
The results could also lead to increased inspections, improved monitoring and stricter action against manufacturers or suppliers whose products fail to meet regulatory requirements.
As the nationwide survey gets underway, consumers will be watching closely to see whether the government follows through with stronger enforcement and meaningful improvements in food quality.
