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LAHORE, June 11, 2026: FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL), in collaboration with the Department of Food & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Central Punjab (UCP), organized a high-level event to mark World Milk Day and Food Safety Day 2026 at UCP Lahore.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Dairy Food Safety in Pakistan: Preventing Foodborne Risks and Ensuring Nutrition for All,” the event brought together policymakers, academics, industry experts, and food safety professionals to discuss challenges facing Pakistan’s dairy sector.
Opening the session, Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan, Head of the Department at UCP, emphasized the collective responsibility of ensuring food safety and nutrition.
“Safe and nutritious food is not only a scientific challenge but also a social responsibility. Therefore, platforms like this help stakeholders work together to address Pakistan’s nutrition and food safety gaps,” she said.
During the discussions, participants stressed that formalizing the dairy sector remains critical for improving national nutrition outcomes. They noted that structured supply chains and regulated processing can reduce contamination risks, improve product quality, and strengthen consumer confidence in dairy products.
Representing the industry, Dr. Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Head of Regulatory Affairs at FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan, highlighted the importance of packaged milk.
“At FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan, we believe food is only food when it is safe. Therefore, packaged milk plays a vital role in ensuring quality, consistency, and nutritional value while supporting Pakistan’s food security goals,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Guest Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab, and Punjab Food Authority Director Munir Hussain Chopra underscored the need for stronger policy support. They also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat food adulteration and promote safer food practices across the province.
A key focus of the event was the widespread misconception surrounding packaged milk. Participants pointed out that although Pakistan ranks as the world’s fourth-largest milk producer, nearly 92 percent of its milk market still consists of loose and unregulated milk, which often faces contamination and adulteration risks.
Furthermore, speakers linked safe dairy consumption to Pakistan’s nutrition challenges. They noted that around 40 percent of children under five, nearly 10 million children, suffer from stunting, while more than 2.7 million children face acute malnutrition. As a result, they called for greater public awareness about the benefits of packaged milk and the risks associated with loose milk supplies.
The event concluded with a set of policy recommendations and recognition of participants. Moreover, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening safe dairy systems and improving nutrition outcomes across Pakistan.
