‘PFA to form Food Nutrition Task Force’

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Director General M Asim Javaid said that a Food Nutrition Task Force will be formed consisting of members from Unicef, PFA, school education and health department.

PFA has been introducing simple diet plans for those who cannot afford to buy expensive food items, he said and added that fortification of food items is very necessary while positive results will be received in future. PFA DG said this while talking to a delegation of the Unicef that visited the PFA Headquarters on Friday. The delegation was led by Anteneh Minhas, Chief Nutrition, Unicef.

Unicef will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PFA for collaboration in nutrition programmes. PFA DG gave a detailed briefing on the ongoing project of the PFA regarding nutrition and public interest. Chief Nutrition said that Unicef will provide full support in the ongoing programmes of PFA regarding the good health of children and women. He said that PFA’s nutrition programmes for children and women are commendable.

Anteneh stated that PFA is a role model for other food authorities across Pakistan. We have to educate the future generation about the importance of food nutrition to achieve the goal of a healthy life, Chief Nutrition said. On the occasion, PFA director general said that children’s eating habits and food choices have changed in the last few years. Today, children are unaware of the playground and away from eating fruits and vegetables, he added.

He said that problems like obesity, diabetes and anemia among women are increasing dangerously due to preferring junk food. PFA has divided the ongoing campaigns for the health of children and women into two parts, he informed. As per the vision of the Punjab Chief Minister, people are being made aware of nutritious food, PFA DG said.