No one can deny the fact that the food is a basic need of life. Food insecurity is defined as a limited and uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods and limited or uncertain ability to acquire foods in socially acceptable ways.
Food insecurity has become one of the major national problems in Pakistan. According to national nutritional survey (NNS) in 2011 almost 58 percent of Pakistanis face food insecurity.
Food insecurity is getting worse day by day. Many people are suffering from acute malnutrition. Every year more than 70 million people get sick from food poisoning which occurs after consuming contaminated food. Food insecurity remains top priority in UN’s flash appeal for Pakistan.
Many countries have improved their condition but the situation in Pakistan keeps worsening. The government needs to understand that the lack of food safety is a result of unhygienic and unhealthy food products.
The government should issue licenses to the food industry on strict compliance with basic health rules. There should be random inspection on periodic basis, and those producing low quality and unhealthy food should be given strict punishment and their licenses cancelled.
BUSHRA ASIM
Karachi