ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has said it inspected 15,798 food outlets and imposed fines amounting to Rs20 million on shopkeepers for flouting regulations during the last year.

IFA Operations Deputy Director (DDO) Dr Tahira Siddique while sharing the yearly performance report of the authority said the body was committed to ensuring food safety.

“The authority’s latest report underscores its relentless pursuit of adherence to food safety standards across the federal capital,” she said.

In 2024, the IFA conducted 15,798 inspections across various food establishments in the city. The efforts aimed to ensure that food safety regulations are being followed, she said.

During these inspections, the authority issued 7,470 notices to improve compliance with safety standards, she added.

In addition to improvement notices, the food authority imposed fines on 1,213 establishments, totalling Rs20 million.

The inspections also led to the sealing of 311 food outlets that failed to meet necessary safety standards, Dr Tahira said.

To support compliant food businesses, the authority issued licenses to 1,800 food points, allowing them to operate legally within Islamabad.

Moreover, officials collected samples from 111 different food varieties to test for safety and quality.

Dr Tahira said the authority actively addressed consumer concerns, resolving 352 complaints from residents related to food safety. In more serious cases, 15 FIRs were registered against establishments that posed risks to public health.

In an effort to protect public health, the authority discarded 161,848 kilograms of food that was deemed unsafe for consumption.

She urged the public to cooperate with the food department in identifying illegal food production units that were operating in small houses to ensure public safety.

“Notably, the authority imposed a complete ban on the sale of Chinese salt and gutka, emphasising its commitment to upholding stringent standards of food safety and hygiene.”

Dr Tahira reiterated the authority’s dedication to fostering a healthy environment for the citizens of the federal capital.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2025