High Court Bans Unsafe Bags for Food Packing

The Islamabad High Court has banned the use of substandard polypropylene woven sacks for packing food items. The court warned that reusing cement bags for flour and other edibles poses serious health risks, including cancer. In a written judgment, Justice Azam Khan ordered strict nationwide enforcement within 30 days. The ruling targets unsafe packaging that threatens public health and food safety.

The court directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority to launch an immediate crackdown. Authorities must identify, seize, and initiate legal action against non-compliant sacks. The ban applies to polypropylene sacks lacking the mandatory PS Mark under PS: 3128 standards. It also covers kraft paper cement sacks that fail to meet PS: 4877 standards. The court stressed action against cement bags reused in the food supply chain.

The ruling extends beyond manufacturers to distributors, warehouses, and transporters. The court clarified that enforcement applies to the product itself, regardless of business licenses. The federal Ministry of Food and all four provinces must coordinate implementation. Chief Secretaries and provincial Food Authorities were ordered to ensure strict compliance. Authorities must not delay enforcement in any region.

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The court ordered that penalties must go beyond fines. Criminal cases must be registered against violators, and arrests must follow. Officials must conduct raids on factories and warehouses producing or storing substandard sacks. The PSQCA and the Ministry of Food must submit a compliance report within 90 days. The court emphasized accountability at every stage of the supply chain.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the court said defective sacks cause annual losses between Rs23 and Rs38 billion. Cumulative losses over eight years have exceeded Rs80 billion. The judgment described the issue as a threat to food security and public health. It stated that inaction violates fundamental rights, including life and dignity. The court declared the situation a national emergency, not just a commercial dispute.