International Conference on Emerged Issues in Nutrition and Food Safety concludes

Around 50 percent of the women and children were facing malnutrition and 58 percent of total population is under the grip of food insecurity in the country. It was discussed at the concluding session of three-day of an International Conference on Emerged Issues in Nutrition and Food Safety arranged by the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad that was chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. Dr Ibrahim from Thailand; Dr Aurang Zeb; and NIFSAT Director General Prof Dr Faqeer Anjum also spoke on the occasion. Addressing on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor suggested that concerted multi-sector nutrition efforts were needed to address mother and child health and nutrition problems. He said that in the children malnutrition, the rate among children under the age of 5-year is 43.7 per cent. Talking about food security, he said that Pakistan is blessed with four seasons and has the potential to increase the agri production manifold to ensure food security. Talking about research, he said that the as many as three research impact factors journals are being produced from the Campus. Dr Ibrahim from Halal Food Research Centre Thailand said that Thailand is playing its due role in the promotion of the Halal food across the globe. He said that world has the huge halal food market. Pakistan can earn heavy foreign exchange by focusing on the field. Prof Dr Faqeer Anjum said the population of Pakistan is fast increasing. He urged the scientists and all stakeholders to play their role in this regard. He said that the recommendation of the moot will help address the issue at the national level. Dr Aurang Zeb presented the recommendation of the conference. The moot suggested setting up National Institution of Nutrition to address the issue. The conference also recommended establishing the Pak Food and Nutrition Council; ensuring potable water for the people; conducting tangible researches; making nutrition education part of syllabus; revise food rules as per pattern of Punjab Food Rules 2011; and enhanced efforts on the part of all stakeholders.