ISLAMABAD – In a sweeping crackdown on food safety violations, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) sealed over 50 food outlets, imposed heavy fines, and destroyed more than 3,000 kilograms of unsafe food items during July.
Speaking to APP, IFA Deputy Director Operations Dr. Tahira Siddique revealed that the authority conducted 1,276 inspections from July 1 to 31 across the federal capital. These included checks at restaurants, bakeries, general stores, roadside vendors, and food processing units.
“Out of these inspections, 856 businesses were served improvement notices to address hygiene lapses and improve cleanliness, storage, and food handling practices,” she said.
In more serious cases, fines worth Rs2.01 million were imposed on 113 outlets, while 58 establishments were sealed due to repeated violations of food safety regulations.
During the month, the IFA also acted on 51 public complaints, inspecting the reported outlets and addressing the concerns raised.
Among the most alarming findings was the recovery and destruction of 3,035 kilograms/liters of expired, adulterated, or unhygienic food products. Key seizures included:
1,050 kg of spoiled or substandard meat
923 kg/liters of adulterated or spoiled dairy items
249 kg of stale or previously served food
227 kg/liters of expired packaged goods
265 liters of expired or unfit drinks
41 liters of used/unfit cooking oil
15 kg of non-iodized salt
20 kg of harmful tea mixtures
12 kg of banned MSG (monosodium glutamate)
1,577 sachets of banned food products
Additionally, 34 food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing to determine possible legal action against businesses selling unsafe food.
Dr. Siddique emphasized that the month-long operation is part of a sustained effort to ensure food safety in the capital. She said public health remains a top priority and that inspections, awareness campaigns, and legal enforcement will continue in the coming months.
The IFA also issued 425 food licenses during the period to outlets that met legal and hygiene standards. In one case, an FIR was registered against a business for severe violations.
Food businesses were reminded to maintain valid food licenses, ingredient records, and proper labeling of production and expiry dates to avoid penalties.
Residents were encouraged to report food safety violations via IFA’s helpline or online complaint system.
