Global Rice News

New Concerns Arise Over Adulterated Flour in Punjab Mills

In a disturbing revelation, it has been discovered that flour mills in Punjab are adding quantities of maize and broken rice to wheat flour, leading to a decline in the quality and freshness of bread. This practice is reportedly driven by mills’ desire for increased profits. To do this, they discreetly procure corn and rice powder from external sources and mix it with the wheat flour during the production process. The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and the food department are currently working to put an end to this deceptive practice.

Of grave concern is the potential impact of this adulteration on the ration bundles distributed during the holy month of Ramadan. The addition of maize and rice to the flour could compromise the nutritional value and quality of these food packages.

Laboratory tests conducted by the food department have revealed that numerous flour mills have a gluten content lower than the standard. These tests also confirmed the presence of maize in the flour, alongside wheat. Over the past few months, suspicions have arisen regarding hundreds of flour mills in Punjab partaking in this adulteration scheme. These mills are driven by the motive of reducing costs and profiting from the sale of flour at lower market prices.

Currently, the Punjab Food Department procures wheat from the government at a price of Rs4,700 per maund, which aligns with the open market rate. In comparison, imported wheat in Punjab is priced between Rs4,100 to Rs4,220 per maund. Meanwhile, the cost of white maize stands at Rs2,100 per maund, and broken rice is approximately Rs3,200 per maund.

Sources reveal that a significant number of flour mills are utilizing 10% each of maize and broken rice in their production process. This tactic allows them to reduce costs by roughly Rs250 for every 20-kilogramme bag of wheat. In order to avoid detection, mills do not grind the maize and corn within their facilities. Instead, they bring it in bags from external sites and mix it with the ground wheat at a separate dispensing spot.

It is essential to note that the integration of other agricultural products into the preparation of flour is strictly prohibited under food laws. According to these regulations, the moisture content in flour should not exceed 13% and the gluten content should not fall below 8%. Violation of these laws constitutes a criminal offense.

Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin has expressed his concern regarding this issue and assured the public that strict legal action will be taken against flour mills found to be adding maize and rice to their flour. The government is committed to providing high-quality flour to its citizens and will not compromise on their well-being.

This matter urgently requires attention to ensure the production and distribution of unadulterated flour throughout Punjab. By addressing these concerns, the food authorities can safeguard the nutritional integrity and quality of bread, enabling citizens to enjoy fresh and healthy meals.

Source: [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk)