The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety & Halal Food Authority (KPFS&HFA) has carried out a major operation in Peshawar, targeting hostel canteens and eateries within prominent universities. The crackdown led to the discovery of banned China salt, adulterated spices, and non-food-grade utensils being used in the canteens.
According to KP Food Authority’s spokesperson, food safety team inspected the hostel canteens and food outlets of the University of Peshawar, the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), and Khyber Medical College. The inspections revealed multiple violations of hygiene and food safety standards.
During the raids, banned China salt and substandard spices were confiscated from several canteens. Additionally, it was found that non-food-grade and unhygienic utensils were being used, posing serious health risks to students. Several food handlers were also discovered working without medical fitness certificates, which is a direct violation of food safety regulations.
The team took immediate action by discarding unsafe food items on the spot and imposing heavy fines on the violators. Warning notices and improvement directives were issued to the responsible food outlets.
The spokesperson further stated that formal letters have been sent to university administrations to enhance institutional oversight and ensure strict adherence to hygiene protocols on campus.
Director General of KP Food Authority Wasif Saeed commended the efforts of the food safety team and emphasized that all canteen operators must comply with hygiene standards or face strict legal consequences.
On this occasion, KP Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru issued directives to ensure regular and rigorous monitoring of all educational institutions’ canteens. He stressed the importance of providing students with safe, healthy, and high-quality food.
