PFA arranges seminar on “Healthy Heart and Diet” in connection with World Heart Day

Lahore : The Punjab Food Authority in collaboration with Punjab Institution of Cardiology has arranged a seminar on titled Healthy Heart and Diet in connection of World Heart Day held at PIC Auditorium here on Wednesday.

The key speakers of the seminar were PFA Director General Captain (R) Muhammad Usman, Head of Institution (PIC) Prof Dr Nadeem Hayat Mallick. A large number of students of different educational institutions, professors, doctors, nutritionists, PFA officials and people from different walks of life people have also participated.

Students of different universities presented posters on the theme of a healthy heart, nutrition and ways to prevent from heart diseases. These posters were displayed for the awareness purpose. DG Food Authority and Prof Nadeem Hayat Mallick visited the gallery and admired the work of students. PFA has set up special awareness stalls and distributed pamphlets among patients and masses.

Speaking on the occasion, PFA DG Muhammad Usman has emphasized to use standard quality food which prevents people from different diseases. He has shed light on various projects and initiatives of PFA including ban on the sale of gutka, banaspati ghee and carbonated drinks. He said PFA also introduced Milk Pasteurization Law, PFA training school programme, and number of other initiatives.

He said that PFA has imposed ban on all those products which are not fit for human consumption. The ban on gutka, banaspati ghee, energy drinks and the sale of carbonated drinks in educational institutions was not an easy task for PFA. He also said that PFA is strictly ensuring the implementation of infant formula law for the safety of infants. PFA is not only taking action against the food business operators and adulterators but also giving awareness to citizens about which food is better for them.

DG said that PFA is taking all necessary steps which are in favour of citizens. He informed that PFA has imposed ban on the sale of carbonated drinks and gutka for the protection of public health.  He further said that PFA is doing strict action against adulterators, food companies and those food business operators who are misguiding to consumers. It is pertinent to mention that PFA is the first authority in the world which taken step against the energy drinks and banned use of word ‘energy’ for caffeinated drinks. PFA will not tolerate the adulteration mafia at any cost.

Nadeem Hayat Malik has appreciated the ideas and work of PFA. He said that heart diseases can be decreased if we adopted an exercise habit in our daily life, chose good diet and neglect smoking habit. He further said that lack of awareness is a major reason behind of heart diseases. According to a survey, obesity is increasing among children which have been an alarming situation for parents. DG vowed to arrange more events in future regarding awareness in collaboration with PFA.

Lecturer in UVAS, Amna Chughtai has given a detailed presentation on nutrition and diet plan. She said that people should understand the importance of the portion size of food in a routine diet plan. She said that people should choose healthy options of food in their diet which can prevent them from several diseases. She further said that we are leaving our old values and cooking style and following the western lifestyle which is badly effecting of our life and health. She also emphasized for doing physical activity and exercises at least 150 minutes in a week.

At the end, PFA Director General Captain (R) Muhammad Usman has awarded cash prizes and sashes among the winners (students). DG Food Authority also presented souvenirs to the officials of PIC.