Pakistan’s Wheat Flour Crisis: Substandard Packaging Costs Billions
Islamabad, Pakistan – The Pakistan Polypropylene Woven sack Manufacturers Association (PPWSMA) Is Raising Alarms Over The Persistent Use Of Substandard And Non-Food-Grade Sacks For Wheat Flour Packaging. This Practice has Resulted In An Estimated Loss Of Rs594 Billion Over The Past seven Years Due To Extensive Product Wastage And Contamination.
The association is Urging Immediate Government Action to Enforce Higher Packaging Standards to Protect This Essential Food Staple.
Alarming Losses Due To Poor Packaging
Ppwsma Reports That Every Year, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Wheat Flour bags Become Unusable Or Damaged During Storage And Transportation. The Use Of Low-Quality, Non-Compliant packaging Materials Is A Primary Cause.
Iskandar Khan, Chairman Of The Association, Explained That While Certified Polypropylene Woven Sacks Are Marginally More Expensive (Rs9 For A 20 Kg Bag And Rs7 For A 10 Kg Bag), The Losses Incurred From Inferior Sacks Far Outweigh This Cost. He Noted That Up To Half A Kg Of Wheat Flour Is Lost Per Bag Due To Leakage And Damage During Handling.
| Sack Type | Price Difference | Loss Per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Sacks | Base Price | Up To 0.5 Kg Wheat Flour |
| Certified polypropylene Woven Sacks | Rs9 (20 Kg Bag) / Rs7 (10 Kg Bag) Higher | Minimal To Zero |
Call For Government Intervention
Ppwsma Has Formally Requested The Ministry Of National Food Security & Research To Enforce SRO 46(I)/2017 Across All Provinces. This Regulation Mandates The use of Food-Grade Sacks For Packaging Wheat Flour.
The Association Also Advocates For Promoting The Adoption Of Certified Polypropylene Woven Sacks That Meet International Food-Grade And Safety Standards.
The Letter To the Ministry Of Food Security Emphasized that Wheat Flour Is A Dietary Staple For Millions Of Pakistanis. Protecting Its Quality And Preventing Wastage In The Supply Chain Is Paramount.
Did You No? Globally, Approximately 14% Of Food Produced Is Lost Between Harvest and Retail, According To The FAO.
Food Security Concerns
Ppwsma Has Highlighted that Protecting Essential Commodities Like Wheat Flour Is Not Only An Economic Issue But Also A Critical Aspect of Public Health And National Food Security.
Referencing A Report By The Food And Agriculture Organization (FAO), The Association states That Approximately 11 Million People In Pakistan Face Acute Food Insecurity. The Wastage of Wheat Flour Due To Poor Packaging Further Exacerbates this Crisis.
Demands For Compliance and Enforcement
The Association Has Urged The Government To Enforce The Mandatory Use Of Food-grade Sacks For All Wheat Flour Distributed In The Market. They Also Demand That All Mills And Suppliers Adhere To The Quality And Certification Standards Outlined In SRO 46(I)/2017.
Regular Inspections And Penalties For Non-Compliant Parties Are Necessary To Uphold Food safety And Consumer Rights, The PPWSMA Argues.
Pro tip: Consumers Can Check For Food-grade certification Marks On Wheat Flour Packaging To Ensure They Are Purchasing Safe And High-Quality Products.
The Global Perspective On Food Packaging Standards
Pakistan’s Struggle With Wheat Flour Packaging Standards Is Not Unique. Across The Globe, Countries Grapple With Balancing Cost-Effectiveness And Food Safety. Stricter Regulations And Innovative Packaging Solutions Are Becoming Increasingly Important To Minimize Food Waste And Protect Public Health.
as an example,The European Union Has Implemented Stringent Food Contact material Regulations (EC No 1935/2004) That Set Strict Standards For All Materials That Come Into Contact With Food. These Regulations aim to Prevent Harmful Substances From Migrating Into Food, Ensuring A High Level Of Consumer Protection.
Latest Innovations In Food Packaging
The Food Packaging Industry Is Rapidly Evolving, With new Technologies And Materials Emerging To Enhance Food safety And Extend Shelf Life. Some Key Innovations Include:
- Active Packaging: Incorporates additives That Release Substances Into The Food Or Absorb Undesirable Components.
- Clever Packaging: Uses Sensors And Indicators To Monitor Food Quality And Provide Real-Time Information On Spoilage.
- Biodegradable Packaging: Made From Renewable Resources, Reducing Environmental Impact.
These Innovations offer Promising Solutions For Reducing food Waste And Enhancing Food Safety Globally. Embracing Such Advances Could Significantly Benefit Pakistan’s Efforts To Improve Its Wheat Flour Packaging Standards.
frequently Asked questions About Wheat Flour Packaging
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Question: What are The Risks Of Using Non-Food-Grade Sacks For Wheat Flour?
Answer: Non-Food-Grade Sacks Can Contaminate Wheat Flour With Harmful Chemicals And Bacteria, Posing Serious Health Risks To Consumers. -
Question: How Can Consumers Identify Food-Grade Wheat Flour Packaging?
Answer: Look For Certification Marks And Labels Indicating That The Packaging Meets Food-Grade Standards. Check For Information On The Material Used And Its Compliance With Safety Regulations. -
question: What Role Do Wheat Flour Mills Play In ensuring Safe Packaging?
Answer: Wheat Flour mills Are Responsible For Using Only Certified, Food-Grade Packaging materials And Adhering To All Relevant Safety Regulations. Regular Audits And Inspections Are Essential. -
Question: What Is The Government Doing To Address The issue Of Substandard Wheat Flour Packaging?
Answer: The Government Is Tasked With Enforcing Regulations, Conducting Inspections, And Imposing Penalties on Non-Compliant Parties To Ensure That All Wheat flour Packaging Meets Food Safety Standards. -
Question: How does Poor Wheat Flour Packaging Affect The Economy?
Answer: Poor Wheat Flour Packaging Leads To Significant Product Wastage, Resulting In Financial Losses For Businesses And Consumers. It Also Increases The Cost Of Food Production And Distribution.
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Disclaimer: This Article Provides General Information And Should Not Be considered As Professional Advice. Consult Relevant experts For Specific Concerns.
