Punjab’s food safety and consumer protection department has suspended the distribution of old imported wheat to flour mills.
The department instructed mills to source only locally procured wheat until a final decision on the imported stock is reached. Officials stated that the suspension of old imported wheat was necessitated by quality concerns. While distribution continues, the department said it would discuss the matter with the federal government.
Millers reported that the grains were shriveled, discoloured, and showed signs of fungal growth and insect infestation. The department maintained that the wheat remained within permissible limits and claimed that its assessments did not support the millers' complaints.
Millers claimed that wheat procured several years ago and stored in both open and covered warehouses had lost nutritional value, gluten strength, and appearance. According to the millers, flour made from this grain was darker, had an unpleasant smell, and exhibited poor binding properties.
Millers also noted that they received consumer complaints and felt their options were restricted because official releases relied heavily on older stocks to meet demand. Stakeholders suggested that the suspension effectively acknowledges the old stock might be unsuitable for milling.
Concerns have also been raised by stakeholders regarding locally procured wheat in Punjab that has been stored in gunny bags on open plinths for two to three years. Stakeholders suggested the condition of this local stock could be similar to wheat imported by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).
Stakeholders are now calling for a comprehensive review of how wheat is procured and stored across Punjab.
