TP Report
PESHAWAR: Director General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety & Halal Food Authority, Kashif Iqbal Jilani, has said that under the Ramazan directives of the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the KP Food Safety & Halal Food Authority has finalized a comprehensive strategy to launch special campaigns against substandard, unhygienic and adulterated food before and during the holy month of Ramazan.
He directed all field inspection teams to further improve their performance and ensure the provision of safe and quality food to citizens at all costs. He made it clear that the system of reward and punishment would be implemented strictly and without discrimination in accordance with the law.
The DG expressed these views while chairing an online meeting with field teams. The meeting was attended by Director Administration Abdul Rehman, Director Operations Muhammad Yousaf, Director Technical Dr Abdul Sattar Shah, Director Finance Zahir Mahmood, along with other officers. During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the department’s performance for the month of January and the planned special campaigns for Ramazan.
Kashif Iqbal Jilani said that under the finalized plan, special inspections would be carried out for milk, meat, bakery items, beverages, spices, cooking oil and ghee, as well as other food items commonly consumed during Ramazan, in order to ensure the availability of safe food in markets.
He further informed that a three-day special campaign against adulterated and substandard milk has been launched from yesterday, under which regular checking of milk is being carried out at entry points of all major cities across the province.
The DG instructed field teams to take effective action for the complete elimination of substandard food and adulteration mafia from markets, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those found negligent in the discharge of their duties.
Jilani said that food adulteration is a serious crime and its elimination is tantamount to an act of worship, adding that it is also a religious and moral responsibility. He further warned that if any official is found involved in corruption, strict action will be taken and the offender will be made an example after the offence is proven.
The DG also emphasized that all officers and officials must work strictly on merit and should not succumb to any political or undue pressure from higher authorities.
