- Encouraging healthier menus, reducing additives, and promoting food safety can improve nutrition in the fast food industry
Interview with Mr. Kaukab Iqbal — founding Chairman, Consumers Association of Pakistan
Profile:
Mr Kaukab Iqbal is the founding Chairman of Consumers Association of Pakistan, one of the largest NGO of Pakistan working for providing awareness among masses regarding Consumers rights and their Protection. Since its inception on 13th September 2003, he has been trying to bring all Pakistanis under the umbrella of Consumer Association of Pakistan for developing effective Consumers’ culture. He feels proud to inform us that due to untiring efforts and struggle they have gotten a great success in the greater interest of Consumers by enforcement of Consumers Protection Act 2014 nationwide. After enactment of Consumer Protection Act 2014, Consumers are enjoying more liberty to protect their rights as Consumers’ Courts are also working for providing immediate relief to Consumers in all provinces.
To encourage Consumers friendly business environment, CAP organize Consumer Choice Awards every year which has become most prestigious award for Business community and Industrial sector who do their best keeping in view Consumers’ choice. In recognition of his services, now he has been appointed as Advisor to Governor Sindh for Consumers’ Protection which is great honor for him. Besides these achievements CAP is recognised by:-
1. UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization).
2. USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
3. GWP (Global Water Partnership).
4. WHO (World Health Organization).
5. EU (European Union Commission).
6. CI (Consumers International Global Federation)
7. AAPR (Association for Airline Passengers’ Rights USA)
8. PNAC (Pakistan National Accreditation Council)
9. PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority)
10. OGRA (Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority)
11. CCP (Competition Commission of Pakistan)
12. PSQCA (Pakistan’s Standard & Quality Control Authority)
13.CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
14. PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority)
15. Wafaqi Mohtasib Office.
16. KATI (Korangi Association of Trade & Industries)
17. State Bank of Pakistan.
In view of the above one can easily analyse the effective role of CAP and his working for Pakistani Consumers as well as around the World.
PAGE: Speed of service is rather vital these days in fast food cuisine business, your perspective?
Kaukab Iqbal: Consumers Association of Pakistan being a custodian of consumers’ protection and their legitimate rights has been witnessing vigilantly food sector especially fast food industry which is showing rapid growth in Pakistan during the last two decades. In my view, as the name suggests speed of service is crucial in the fast food industry because customers need quick and efficient services. Fast service improves customer satisfaction, encourages speedy activities multiplying brand’s reputation. It helps to boost sales activities in limited span of time making it a key factor in the success of the fast food business.
PAGE: Quick and efficient preparation as well as distribution might be coming at a cost. What is your standpoint?
Kaukab Iqbal: Every industry has some unique and significant aspects similarly fast food industry has distinctive features like quick and efficient preparations and its rapid distribution which may hit cost competitiveness like reduced food quality, limited customization or increased pressure on staff of the restaurants or hotels. It can also lead to higher waste levels or reliance on preprocessed ingredients which may raise health issues. We cannot deny the fact that balancing speed with quality and responsibility is a challenge for fast food businesses.
PAGE: Fast food products are often highly processed and may contain artificial preservatives in addition to high levels of sodium; cholesterol saturated and refined grains and sugars. How would you comment?
Kaukab Iqbal: Consumers Association of Pakistan always gives priority to food and health issues relating to consumers. In this connection we give special emphasis to organise awareness programs for Pakistani consumers. For this purpose, Consumers Association of Pakistan organises every year Food Safety Conference on mass level in which all stakeholders, major local and multinational food companies, food scientists, food specialists, food experts and Government functionaries participate and give their precious recommendation for implementation of rules and regulations with regard to food safety. Fast food items or products are often designed for convenience, long shelf life, and quick preparation which can lead to the use of highly processed ingredients. These food items frequently contain artificial preservatives including high levels of Sodium, Cholesterol, Saturated fats, refined Grains and Sugars. Although fast food items are very famous and common among masses specially youth due to their taste, affordability and convenience, their nutrition profile may negatively impact health issues when consumed excessively. Doctors warn that regular consumption of such products may result issues like obesity, heart diseases, sugar, and other chronic health problems. Keeping in view healthier options, cleanness and food safety measures, we can address these concerns while still meeting consumers’ demands.
PAGE: What further must be done to improve nutrition in the fast food industry?
Kaukab Iqbal: With our continuous persuasion with all food centers and Fast Food companies in the greater interest of consumers, we are working to improve nutrition values in Fast Food products by designing innovative menus, by better ingredients choices, and better healthier options including more vegetables, whole grains and protein. Moreover offering low calorie, low sodium and low sugar alternatives. Stress is given to cut down saturated fats, trans fats, added sugar and excessive sodium. Eventually, we are discouraging artificial preservatives and additives and promoting natural alternatives. We are educating the Consumers about the benefits of balanced nutrition and to reduce food waste and adopt ecofriendly packaging.
In my view, by implementing these drastic measures, fast food industry can address health concerns while encouraging source responsibility, ensuring environmental ethical considerations coupled with affordability of product to consumers which is chief aim of Consumers Association of Pakistan.