The Islamabad High Court has banned the use of substandard food packaging sacks, citing serious health risks to the public. The court warned that using unsafe materials could lead to severe illnesses, including cancer.
Justice Azam Khan, in a written judgment, specifically highlighted that flour and other food items packed in used cement bags or low-quality sacks pose major health hazards. The ruling directs authorities to take strict measures to ensure public safety.
The court instructed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, along with provincial authorities, to jointly enforce the ban on unsafe food packaging. Chief secretaries and provincial food departments are responsible for implementing the order within their jurisdictions.
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and the Food Ministry have been asked to submit a compliance report within three months. The report will confirm that substandard sacks have been removed from circulation and replaced with safe alternatives.
Authorities have also been ordered to conduct a nationwide crackdown within 30 days. The operation will target factories, warehouses, and shops involved in manufacturing, storing, or selling substandard food packaging. Confiscation of unsafe materials and criminal action, including arrests, will be carried out against violators.
The Islamabad High Court emphasized that laws must be actively enforced to protect citizens’ health. Officials are required to ensure immediate implementation of the ban, with regular monitoring of compliance.
This landmark decision highlights the importance of safe food packaging and strengthens government efforts to protect public health. Experts say it will prevent contamination and reduce the risk of serious diseases caused by unsafe materials.
In other related news also read Unsafe Food Packaging Sacks Banned What You Need to Know
The ruling is expected to improve standards in the food industry and ensure that consumers receive food packed in safe and approved materials.
