THIS refers to your editorial `Raids on eateries` (July 30). On the balance ensuring that eateries catering to the public are safe is an essential public health function of the government.
The Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government`s renewed interest in serving this function is welcome. However, such a function includes a scientific, evidencebased and transparent regime for quality standardsforfacilities and theirinspections that is well known to eating establishments, their patrons and government inspectors.
That these be impartial and apply equally to different types of establishment and regardless of ownership is implicit.
Without such transparency, inspections suchastheonesthathave happenedrun the danger of becoming tools for rent seeking, political arm-twisting or corruption.Thiscan be avoided by posting standards on the concerned department`s website and making reports of inspection available for transparent reviews byrestaurant owners and civil society alike.
The cause will also be served by a broader discussion of whether the same standards should be applied to a high-end restaurant and a roadside eatery, and if not, then what modifications should be allowed and on what principles.
