Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) reviewed its Eid ul Azha preparedness and presented a 3-year performance report showing 47,252 inspections, action against more than 1,200 food units and fines imposed on over 2,700 shops for hygiene violations.
Officials also said more than 10,000 business licenses had been issued during the period.
A meeting of the Islamabad Food Authority was held under the chairmanship of Director Islamabad Food Authority Irfan Memon to review preparations for Eid ul Azha and assess the authority’s overall performance during the last three years.
During the meeting, officials reviewed arrangements being made to monitor food safety standards during Eid ul Azha, when the demand for meat and other food items increases across the federal capital. The authority discussed inspection plans, monitoring teams and enforcement measures aimed at ensuring the supply of safe food to residents.
The meeting was also briefed on the Food Authority’s operational performance over the past three years. According to the report presented during the session, the Islamabad Food Authority carried out 47,252 inspections at restaurants, shops, food production units and other businesses linked to food supply.
Officials informed the meeting that more than 25,000 improvement notices were issued to businesses for failing to meet food safety and hygiene standards. These notices directed owners to improve cleanliness, storage systems and food handling practices.
The report further stated that more than 1,200 units involved in the preparation and supply of substandard food were sealed during enforcement operations. Authorities said action was taken after inspections identified violations related to food quality and public health regulations.
According to the briefing, fines were imposed on more than 2,700 shops for violating hygiene rules and food safety standards. The Food Authority also carried out major operations based on more than 200 confidential complaints and reports received from different sources.
Officials said the authority organized 63 seminars and awareness sessions on food safety to educate businesses and citizens about hygiene practices and safe food handling. The meetings were held as part of awareness campaigns launched in different sectors of Islamabad.
The authority also responded to more than 1,200 public complaints regarding food quality, cleanliness and business practices. Officials said immediate action was taken on complaints received through different complaint channels.
During the meeting, authorities shared that more than 10,000 business units were issued licenses after completing registration and inspection requirements. The licensing process was aimed at improving the regulation and monitoring of food businesses operating in the capital.
The report also revealed that cases were registered against 56 business centres involved in serious violations of food safety laws and regulations. Legal action was initiated in cases where businesses were found repeatedly violating official standards.
Director Islamabad Food Authority Irfan Memon, directed inspection teams to further speed up inspection activities during Eid ul Azha and continue strict monitoring across the city. He said the authority must ensure the provision of safe food to citizens under all circumstances.
Officials added that monitoring operations would continue before and during Eid to check meat handling, storage and cleanliness standards in markets and food businesses across Islamabad.
