——- 2 arrested, 50,000 ltrs destroyed
By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: A fake milk production unit supplying up to 100,000 litres per day was sealed after a surveillance-led operation, while 50,000 litres of prepared fake milk were destroyed and two main suspects were arrested.
According to Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) officials, the operation was carried out by food safety and vigilance teams under the supervision of Deputy Director Food Authority Dr Tahira Siddique, who said the unit had shifted locations after an earlier closure. The latest raid took place in Mohammadi Town, Khanna Syedan, where the illegal activity was being conducted away from public view.
Authorities stated that the unit had earlier been sealed in the Pandoria area by the Islamabad Food Authority. After the closure, the suspects moved their setup and resumed production at a new site.
The teams maintained surveillance for an extended period, tracking supply routes and transport vehicles before identifying the location of the new unit.
During the operation, officials confiscated and destroyed 50,000 litres of prepared fake milk, 105 bags of powder, and 250 tins of oil. A case has been registered against the suspects, and further legal action is underway.
On the occasion, Dr Tahira said the suspects were producing and supplying fake milk daily, with output reaching 100,000 litres. She added that the activity was concealed within a residential neighborhood to avoid detection.
“The unit was preparing a white liquid and selling it as milk,” she said, adding that this posed a direct risk to public health.
On-site testing conducted by food safety officers failed to meet the prescribed standards. Officials reported that the product did not qualify as milk under defined benchmarks.
Laboratory sample tests confirmed the presence of powder, water, and vegetable ghee mixed together and sold as milk.
The deputy director said vigilance teams worked in coordination with food safety officers to complete the operation. “After sustained surveillance, the teams identified the vehicles, suppliers, and the unit involved,” she said. She added that the suspects were operating discreetly and supplying the product to different points in the city.
Officials said cases are being registered against those involved in selling a white liquid under the name of milk. The crackdown, they added, will continue to deter similar practices and to ensure compliance with food safety laws.
Dr Tahira said all available resources would be used to eliminate adulteration in Islamabad. She warned that there would be no leniency for violations of food safety regulations. “Milk suppliers must ensure compliance with prescribed rules. Any violation will be dealt with under the law,” she said.
The Food Authority reiterated that routine inspections, intelligence-based surveillance, and on-site testing will remain part of enforcement efforts. Authorities urged suppliers to adhere to standards and warned consumers to report suspected adulteration through official channels.
Officials emphasized that relocating operations after enforcement action would not prevent detection. They said continued monitoring of supply chains and transport routes would remain a priority to protect consumers and ensure that food sold in the capital meets legal standards.
