Ahsan Iqbal orders nationwide testing of milk, ghee and edible oil

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Monday directed provincial governments to collect samples of milk, ghee and edible oil from every district and have them tested by authorised third-party laboratories as part of a nationwide crackdown on adulterated and substandard food.

Chairing a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee, Iqbal reviewed the prices and quality of essential commodities across the country.

He directed the relevant authorities to take proactive measures to protect consumers from inflation and ensure the timely availability of essential goods at affordable prices.

The minister also ordered strict action against illegal profiteering in the liquefied petroleum gas market.

Iqbal said no leniency would be shown to individuals or groups endangering public health through the sale of adulterated or poor-quality food products.

He stressed that the federal and provincial governments must work together not only to stabilise the prices of essential commodities but also to ensure their quality.

The minister said regular testing through authorised independent laboratories would help identify unsafe products and strengthen enforcement against manufacturers and suppliers violating food safety standards.

Officials were directed to improve coordination, monitor supply chains and take timely action against hoarding, overcharging and artificial shortages.