Lahore: FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL) and the University of Central Punjab (UCP) collaborated to mark World Milk Day and Food Safety Day 2026 by hosting a significant event aimed at promoting safe dairy systems in Pakistan. The gathering, held at UCP Lahore, focused on the theme "Strengthening Dairy Food Safety in Pakistan: Preventing Foodborne Risks and Ensuring Nutrition for All."

According to FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited, the event underscored the necessity of formalizing the dairy sector to enhance national nutrition systems. Structured supply chains and regulated processing were highlighted as key strategies to eliminate food safety risks and ensure consistent, high-quality nutrition. Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan, Head of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at UCP, emphasized the societal responsibility in ensuring safe and nutritious food.

Dr. Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, representing FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan, advocated for the role of packaged dairy in food safety, asserting that safe, packaged milk is essential for maintaining nutritional integrity and supporting Pakistan’s food security agenda. The event also addressed misconceptions about packaged milk, noting that despite Pakistan being a major milk producer, a significant portion of the market is dominated by loose, unregulated milk, posing health risks.

Chief Guest Ms. Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab, and Mr. Munir Hussain Chopra, Director of the Punjab Food Authority, stressed the importance of aligning policies to combat food adulteration and unsafe practices. The event concluded with policy recommendations and recognition of participants, highlighting the urgent need to fortify dairy systems to improve nutritional outcomes in Pakistan.