LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has advised the federal trade and commerce ministry to impose a ban on import of Carmine (E120), a prohibited food colour.

The PFA has taken the step after it found Carmine (E120) among the ingredients of Chupa Chups jelly and lollipops being sold at different school canteens and stores.

The PFA teams also launched a province-wide operations to remove these jelly and lollipops from stores and school canteens.

Under the Punjab Pure Food Regulations 2018, meant to ensure Halal certification of imported edibles, Carmine (E-120), shellac (E904) and other colours are banned for use in food manufacturing, processing and ingredients.

Under the law, the colouring matter added to any article of food manuf actured in Pakistan will be mentioned in capital letters on the label of the package of such food item.

PFA DG retired Capt Usman said the authority had advised the federal ministry to ban the import of the products that were not Halal. He said Carmine (E120), being used for colouring the jelly and lollipop, was not allowed as per PFA regulation because it was extracted from an insect.

He said banned food items should be checked at shipping points and not allowed to enter the market.