The Punjab government is set to abolish the Food Department, established in 1958, following a significant restructuring plan that aims to consolidate several regulatory acts under a single entity. According to sources, the Pure Food Act, Sugar Factory Control Act, Foodstuffs Control Act, and the Food Authority Control Act will be merged as part of this transformation. In place of the Food Department, a new entity named the "Commodity Control and Management System" is proposed. This department will operate under the oversight of the Special Secretary of Agricultural Marketing, Director General of Price Control, and the Commissioner of Cane, with the Directorate of Food also playing a role.

The restructuring aims to streamline all price control functions currently managed by the Industry, Food, and Agriculture Departments, centralizing them under the new "Commodity Control and Management System." The proposals have been submitted to the Chief Minister of Punjab for approval. Once approved, an official notification will be issued, formalizing the creation of the new department and the abolition of the existing Food Department. Sources indicate that the I&C Department has already prepared the necessary documentation, awaiting the Chief Minister’s nod to proceed with this significant administrative change.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan