Ensuring safe, high-quality nutritious products termed challenge

Business Recorder reported that Noor Aftab, a Tetra Pak executive, told a two-day dialogue in Islamabad on Thursday that Pakistan's nutrition goal depends on keeping products safe and high-quality while getting them to buyers efficiently and at affordable prices. Aftab, who handles corporate affairs for Pakistan, the Middle East, North and West Africa, said the challenge goes beyond food availability. He argued that stronger processing, packaging, storage and transport, backed by the right policies, could draw more investment into the food value chain.

He called for reforms to food-safety legislation and taxation, arguing that tax relief would help keep nutrient-dense foods affordable amid high inflation and weak purchasing power. Aftab described food safety as the central link in the food system, saying a product rich in nutrients is of little use if it cannot be consumed safely. Handling at every stage between factory and shop determines whether food reaches buyers safely.

Dairy was presented as a clear opportunity, given Pakistan's status as a major milk producer, although average yields trail leading markets by a wide margin. The dialogue also heard that stunting affects 4 in every 10 children under five across Pakistan, a situation the panel termed a national emergency. Panelists concluded that malnutrition calls for better supply chain incentives, stronger workforce skills and uniform food-safety standards nationwide.