——– Fines 59 outlets Rs 1.203 mln
By Asad Cheema
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has reviewed its performance over the past 10 days during a meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Khan.
Officials reported that four inspection teams carried out 625 inspections, issued 387 improvement notices, fined 59 food businesses Rs1.203 million, sealed 14 food outlets, and destroyed 3,557 kilograms of unsafe food as part of the city’s food safety enforcement campaign.
The meeting focused on the Food Authority’s recent operations and measures taken to improve food safety standards across the federal capital. Officials briefed the chair on inspections, enforcement actions, and responses to public complaints.
According to the briefing, four inspection teams conducted a total of 625 inspections at restaurants, food outlets, and other food businesses across Islamabad during the last 10 days. During these inspections, the teams identified several violations of food safety and hygiene rules and took action under the relevant regulations.
The Food Authority issued 387 improvement notices to businesses that were required to address shortcomings in hygiene, cleanliness, storage, and food handling practices. In addition, inspectors issued four verbal warnings in cases where minor issues were found and immediate compliance was expected.
Authorities also imposed fines totaling Rs1.203 million on 59 shops for various violations of food safety regulations. Officials said the penalties were imposed after inspectors found breaches of the prescribed standards during routine inspections.
The briefing further revealed that 14 food outlets were sealed because of violations of hygiene and food safety requirements. The closures were carried out to prevent the sale and preparation of food that did not meet the required standards.
The Food Authority also responded to 14 complaints submitted by citizens. Inspection teams visited the reported locations and took action where violations were confirmed, demonstrating the department’s complaint response system.
During the enforcement drive, officials registered one criminal case related to food safety violations. The authority also confiscated and destroyed 3,557 kilograms of food declared unsafe for human consumption, preventing it from entering the market.
Addressing the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Khan directed officials to ensure that complaints received from citizens are acted upon without delay. He stressed that inspection teams should continue taking action against all restaurants and food businesses without discrimination.
He further instructed inspection teams to strictly follow all standard operating procedures during inspections, including the collection of food samples whenever required for laboratory testing and legal action.
Uzair Khan said there would be no tolerance for violations of food safety standards in Islamabad. He directed officials to maintain regular inspections and continue enforcement measures to ensure that food sold across the city complies with public health and safety regulations.
