Food Safety Laws and Implementation Procedures of Pakistan and the International Health Regulations 2005

Abstract

The article systematically investigates and evaluates the regulatory landscape of food
safety in Pakistan, focusing on the enforcement mechanisms governed by International
Health Regulations 2005 and Codex Alimentarius. The research objectives encompass a
critical examination of Pakistan’s adherence to these international frameworks,
identification of challenges in implementation, and exploration of the consequences
arising from non-compliance. To address these objectives, the study formulates specific
research questions, probing into the efficacy of regulatory enforcement, budgetary
constraints affecting implementation, and the lack of uniformity in food laws across
provinces. Methodologically, the research relies on an analysis of the International
Health Regulations 2005 and Codex Alimentarius, coupled with a comprehensive
review of Pakistan’s participation in the “Joint External Evaluation Assessment.”
Findings underscore critical issues, notably the significant challenge posed by budget
limitations, hindering effective implementation. Moreover, the absence of uniform food
laws across provinces, coupled with disparate regulatory bodies at provincial and
federal levels, contributes to confusion. The article advocates for urgent harmonization
of food regulations nationwide, aligning them with international standards. Such
alignment not only fulfills Pakistan’s commitments under International Health
Regulations 2005 but also mitigates the risk of foreign restrictions, as witnessed during
the COVID-19 pandemic.