1. Introduction / Background:

The Directorate of Nutrition Survey and Research working in Karachi was shifted to National Health Laboratories (NHL) in 1967, and was re-named as Nutrition Division in 1971, on partition of the East and West Pakistan. Nutrition Division has been assigned the duty of monitoring and surveillance of nutrition situation in the country. It undertakes research and specific nutrition programs for the control of malnutrition and acts as advisory body to the Federal Government for food and nutrition policies and future planning.

The Division actively participates in the development and up-dating of food standards and monitors quality control of both processed and unprocessed foods. It also works as Federal Public Analyst Laboratory for ICT and Reference Laboratory for Wheat Flour Fortification Program at national level.

Management of the Division is being administered through a Technical Working Group (TWG) within given terms of reference. Monthly meeting of TWG is held to review the progress.

2. Objectives:

Reduce malnutrition and burden of food borne illnesses through strengthening of food quality control system in the country.

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3. Mission:

This Division would provide food analytical services to the public, private and industrial sector, employing highest possible quality control and quality assurance measures, would develop food standards, undertake research and laboratory trainings and extend expertise to national / international Organizations for conducting nutrition surveys.

4. Set up of the Division:

The Division is comprised of the following laboratories: It include 21 technical professionals with support of 20 personnel. Laboratories are provided with advance equipments / computers and trained manpower for use:
1. Public Analyst Laboratory
2. Biochemical Food Laboratory
3. Chemical Water Testing Laboratory
4. Microbiological Laboratory:
5. Iodine Laboratory
6. Reference Laboratory for Fortified Wheat Flour
7. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Techniques Laboratory
8. Applied Nutrition Section (Nutrition Education and Diet Therapy)

5. Performance:

Routine and Specialized Services:
For more than four decades, this Division is engaged in routine and specialized laboratory analysis for food and water received from various organizations and individuals. Public Analyst Services are also being provided to DHS CDA, DHO ICT and DFC ICT. The food and water samples from Prime Minister Secretariat and President House are also being analyzed. Research and Training facilities are provided to the postgraduate student’s of national and international universities, organizations and institutes. The salient features of the services provided include:
 

Public Analyst Laboratory:
This laboratory undertakes the analysis of raw, cooked and processed foods received from Food Inspectors, Directorate of Health Services, CDA and District Health Officer ICT, Islamabad. The tests are carried out in accordance with legal requirement of the West Pakistan Pure Food Ordinance 1960, and Pure Food Rules (1965) thereof, for provision of safe and wholesome foods to the local population, besides curbing food adulteration.

Biochemical Food Laboratory:
Food samples are being analyzed for quality parameters received from public, private and industrial sector. The food commodities include food grains e.g. wheat, wheat flour, rice etc. vegetable oil, ghee, butter, milk, milk products, honey, tea, sugar, salt, spices, beverages, condiments and other miscellaneous items.

Chemical Water Testing Laboratory:
Water received from different sources i.e. bore, well, tube-well, filtered, bottled water etc is analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters e.g. color, odor, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, chloride, sodium, potassium, nitrate and nitrite contents, to ascertain the quality of drinking water. In addition water used for construction purpose and swimming pools is also tested.

Microbiological Laboratory:
Food and water samples received from public, private and hotels / restaurants are analyzed for microbiological contamination to assess the biological hazards.

Iodine Laboratory:
Salt samples received from various sources are analyzed for quality parameters and for determination of iodine contents in iodized salt. Urine samples received from different organizations are analyzed for iodine levels. Iodine Test kits are also produced in this laboratory.

Reference Laboratory for National Wheat Flour Fortification Program (NWFFP):
The food analytical lab has been designated as a Reference Laboratory for NWFFP by the Nutrition Wing, Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan. The samples of fortified wheat flour with iron and folic acid are received from production units (flour mills) and provincial public analyst laboratories for analysis.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP):
Food is not always safe (risk free) in absolute terms, these risks need to be identified and addressed through application of HACCP techniques. Training of food handlers and industry personnel is conducted with WHO collaboration.


Applied Nutrition Section:

Nutrition education is imparted in the schools of Rawalpindi / Islamabad and lectures are delivered for creating awareness among the children regarding basic facts about nutrition and use of available food resources for balanced diet. The Division actively participates in Television programs on nutrition for general public. Therapeutic diets are also planned for the referred patients.

6. Achievements:

Islamabad Capital Territory Pure Food Act- 2009:
The food regulatory framework is operating under The Pure Food Ordinance 1960” (West Pakistan Ordinance VII of 1960 and subsequently framed Pure Food Rules, 1965. The Division has revised The West Pakistan Pure Food Ordinance 1960 as Islamabad Capital Territory Pure Food Act – 2009; it will confer powers to the Ministry of Health, to up-date Pure Food Rules 1965, so that food adulteration and sale of injurious / sub standard foods could be checked (Draft Bill submitted to MOH).

Development of Food Standards:
This Division actively participates in developing and up-dating the standards for various food and food products in collaboration with Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Karachi. Currently Chief Nutrition Division NIH is also the Chairperson for Agriculture and Food Products Divisional Council and Food Hygiene Sectional Committee.

Iodine Test Kit:
Nutrition Division has developed a semi-quantitative testing kit in 2001 for use in the field surveys and in-process quality control of iodized salt production. Quality assessment of the kit was conducted by UNCIEF, New York. UNICEF and Micronutrient Initiative Islamabad are the major clients.

Iron Test Kit:
Single reagent Iron Test Kit has been developed for semi-quantitative estimation of iron in fortified wheat flour.

Chlorine Test Kit:
A rapid Chlorine Test Kit has been developed for estimation of residual chlorine in drinking water.

Diet Manual for Hospitals in Pakistan- Nutritional Care in Health and Disease:
Hospital diet manual was prepared for health care professionals providing nutritional care to the patients. Therapeutic diets have been planned for patients suffering from various diseases / disorders.

National Food Based Dietary Guidelines (NFBDG):
National Food Based Dietary Guidelines were prepared to promote the principles of nutrition education with special emphasis to foods. They provide science-based evidence to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes etc. through diet and physical activity.

National Food Safety Policy:
The Government of Pakistan is committed to provide wholesome food to the people. Ensuring food safety is essential requirements for protecting public health, as food borne illnesses reduce human productivity, tax health care system and affect economic growth. This document / policy will help in ensuring food safety; an essential requirement for protecting public health.

National Food Safety Plan and Strategies for Implementation:
Food quality control system of the country is far from satisfactory, the safe food approach is through "The West Pakistan Pure Food Ordinance 1960" and there under framed "Pure Food Rules, 1965". The implementation strategies will help to improve food safety situation in the country.
 

7. Programs and Projects:

Improvement of Nutrition through PHC, Nutrition Education and Public Awareness Program:
This is a collaborative program between Nutrition Division, NIH and Nutrition Wing, MoH, Islamabad. The following research studies have been undertaken by the Division and in collaboration with NIFA and NWFP, Peshawar :


Completed:

	Estimation of goitrogenous substances in foods and their relationship with prevalence of Goiter.
	Nutritional enhancement of cereals and grain legumes through sprouting and its utilization as food.
	Amylose contents of different food commodities; Influence of household processing on the Amylose contents of these foods.
	Effects of supplementation of a single dose of vitamin- A in postpartum women.

On-going:

	Assessment of nutritional status of adolescents by whole body impedance in provincial capitals of Pakistan.
	To ensure food safety through application of HACCP techniques in the food catering establishments of teaching hospitals.
	KAP on the use of iodized salt and quality assessment.

Strengthening of Food Laboratories of Nutrition Division (PC-I):
A PC-I worth Rs. 25.145 m to Establish Reference Laboratory for Strengthening of Food Quality Control System at Nutrition Division, N.I.H., Islamabad. The Food Laboratory has been up-dated and is functional.

Collaboration with Academic Institutions and National Internship Program:
Expertise and facilities are extended to the students and Internees for research and training in the field of Nutrition, Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Food Safety Program under WHO / JPRM Biennium 2008-09:
The goal of this program is to create awareness on food safety and quality among different consumer groups and stakeholders and to reduce the burden of food borne illnesses through legislation, training and education.

8. Future Plans

Activities and Targets (2009- 2011):

	Islamabad Capital Territory Pure Food Act - 2009.
	Assessment of nutritional status using bio- impedance along with counseling services.
	Detection of Heavy Metals in water.
	Document on Food Safety Management System through application of ISO 22000:2005 Standard for Small and Medium Enterprises.
	Revision of Pure Food Rules, 1965.
	Nutrition and Health Education training to dietitians and community health worker.
	Formulation of therapeutic diet manual.
	Training program on food Microbiology techniques for other institutions through international collaboration.
	Community Nutritional screening and assessment through international collaboration.
	Launch 02 research projects through international collaboration.
	Strengthening of water quality testing Laboratory.
	Recruitment of trained Main-power against vacant posts