Shahzad Rasheed
HARIPUR (PR): Assistant Director Food Safety and Halal Food Authority Haripur, Ruqia Nawaz, has announced a major crackdown on food adulteration and the sale of substandard food products under the “Badalta Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” campaign, declaring a zero-tolerance policy against those endangering public health.
Speaking at a press conference at her office, Ruqia Nawaz said the campaign was being launched in line with directives issued by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi and the Director General of the Halal Food Authority. She stressed that no recommendations, political influence or external pressure would be entertained during enforcement operations.
She said food safety teams would intensify inspections of markets, commercial establishments and food manufacturing units to ensure compliance with prescribed hygiene and quality standards. Special inspection drives would also be conducted at factories in Hattar Industrial Estate, with legal action against businesses involved in adulteration, unhygienic production practices and other violations.
The authority will strengthen monitoring of essential food items, including milk, meat, minced meat, fish and other products commonly consumed by the public. Inspection and checking operations will take place during morning and evening hours, while food safety teams will remain active around the clock to identify and prevent the sale of unsafe food.
Ruqia Nawaz warned that businesses found violating food safety laws would face legal proceedings and financial penalties. She said the authority would cooperate with the business community within the framework of the law but would not grant concessions to those compromising public health.
She also urged media representatives to support efforts to expose food adulteration, promote public awareness and inform citizens about food safety measures. The authority, she added, would regularly share updates on inspection drives and enforcement activities.
Reaffirming her commitment, Ruqia Nawaz said all available legal powers and resources would be utilised to ensure the provision of safe, hygienic and quality food to the people of Haripur.
