Sunridge’s Commitment to Excellence: Ensuring Global Food Safety Standards
As the world observes World Standards Day on October 14, it is a timely reminder of the critical role international standards play in safeguarding the quality of products and services that we rely on every day. Across the globe, the emphasis on food safety has grown significantly, as it directly impacts nutrition, food security, and public health. Consuming food that meets international safety standards helps prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses, contributing to healthier populations and more resilient economies.
However, the consequences of substandard food can be devastating. An estimated 600 million people globally fall ill each year due to contaminated food, leading to 420,000 deaths annually. In low- and middle-income countries, the effects are even more pronounced, where US$110 billion is lost each year due to unsafe food.
Pakistan in particular faces serious challenges in ensuring that its food products meet safety standards. Reports show that a significant portion of agricultural and food products, whether for local consumption or export, are often not compliant with international food safety guidelines.
For instance, 26% of plant food samples in Pakistan contain pesticide residues or aflatoxins above acceptable limits. The consumption of substandard food not only puts lives at risk but also hampers economic growth, as foodborne diseases strain health systems and damage sectors like tourism and trade. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, with 125,000 children dying annually from foodborne illnesses globally.
Amidst the challenges facing Pakistan’s food industry, Unity Foods, with its flagship brand, Sunridge, is setting new benchmarks for excellence. At Sunridge, every batch of production undergoes 35 meticulous food safety and quality control tests, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to international food safety standards. From identifying contaminants to ensuring hygiene and preserving the nutritional value of every product, this rigorous process has earned Sunridge a reputation for exceptional dedication to food safety.
At the core of Sunridge’s innovation lies Pakistan’s groundbreaking achievement: the country’s first and only PESA Flour Mill, designed to eliminate human interaction and maintain the highest levels of hygiene. This advanced Swiss technology, combined with the relentless efforts of Sunridge’s skilled technical teams, ensures that every aspect of food safety is expertly managed. The result? Products that are not only free from harmful substances like pesticides, aflatoxins, and heavy metals but also enriched with essential nutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12—providing trusted nutrition for families across the nation.
In a country where food safety challenges are prevalent, Sunridge’s commitment to quality is crucial. By adopting and exceeding international standards, Sunridge is raising the bar for the local food industry, serving as a model for effective food safety management through innovation and vigilant monitoring. This approach not only protects consumer health but also helps restore confidence in Pakistan’s food products on both domestic and global fronts.
