Ahmed Khan Malik

The Sindh government is considering further strengthening the regulatory framework to improve food safety standards, boost exports, and protect consumer health across the province.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Deputy Director Sindh Food Authority (SFA) Turab Ali said a series of measures will be introduced over the coming months to tighten inspections, enhance licensing procedures, and ensure stricter compliance with hygiene and quality standards.

The move comes amid growing concerns over substandard food production practices and increasing demand for internationally compliant food products. The initiative will focus on revising existing regulations, modernizing laboratory testing facilities, and increasing the number of trained food safety inspectors.

“The food processing sector is expanding rapidly in Sindh, and it is essential that our regulatory systems evolve accordingly,” said Turab. “We are committed to ensuring that the food products manufactured in Sindh meet both national and international standards.”

Sindh’s food processing industry contributes significantly to employment, value addition in agriculture, and export earnings. With major industrial hubs located in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, the province hosts hundreds of food manufacturing units ranging from small-scale processors to large multinational companies.

The new regulatory plan is expected to align provincial standards more closely with federal guidelines issued by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and food safety protocols implemented nationwide.

Coordination among provincial and federal bodies will be enhanced to ensure consistency in enforcement and avoid duplication of regulatory procedures. Turab said digital monitoring systems will be introduced to streamline inspection processes and maintain transparent records of compliance.

The food processing units will be required to adopt traceability mechanisms, allowing authorities to track raw materials and finished products throughout the supply chain. This measure aims to prevent adulteration and contamination.

Public awareness campaigns will be a key component of the strategy. The SFA plans to launch training programs for food handlers, processors, and business owners to educate them about updated standards and best practices in food safety management. Special attention will be paid to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the technical expertise to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

Turab indicated that penalties for non-compliance will be increased, including higher fines, license suspensions, and possible closure of units found guilty of repeated violations.

“Authorities believe stricter enforcement will deter malpractice and encourage responsible business conduct,” he said, adding that the initiative is also expected to contribute to the province’s broader economic development goals by promoting safe, high-quality food production and supporting agricultural value chains.

By improving regulatory oversight, the government aims to position Sindh as a leading hub for safe and competitive food processing in Pakistan.

With reforms set to roll out in phases, Turab expressed confidence that the strengthened regulatory regime will foster sustainable growth, enhance export potential, and ensure safer food for millions of consumers across the province.

Credit: INP-WealthPk