The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has launched a province-wide crackdown on businesses selling substandard meat, fruits, vegetables and other food products. The campaign follows directives issued by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and aims to improve food quality and protect public health.
As part of the operation, food safety officials have started conducting surprise inspections of slaughterhouses, butcher shops, milk shops and other food outlets. Authorities have warned businesses to follow hygiene standards and comply with food safety regulations or face legal action.
Surprise Inspections Conducted in Peshawar
Director General Kashif Iqbal Jillani led surprise inspections at several locations in Peshawar, including Charsadda Road, Dalazak Road and Faqirabad.
The inspection teams checked food businesses to assess hygiene conditions and compliance with relevant regulations. Officials examined facilities involved in the preparation, handling and sale of food products.
During the operation, a milk shop was issued a warning notice for failing to meet hygiene standards. The notice highlighted the need for food businesses to maintain cleanliness and follow the rules designed to protect consumers.
The authority has indicated that inspections will continue as part of its wider campaign against businesses selling unsafe or substandard food.
Slaughterhouse Ordered to Improve Cleanliness
During the campaign, Jillani also visited a slaughterhouse in Shah Alam on Charsadda Road. He reviewed the existing arrangements and directed the staff to improve cleanliness and ensure compliance with food safety requirements.
Slaughterhouses play an important role in maintaining meat quality and hygiene. Poor sanitation and improper handling can increase the risk of contamination and create health concerns for consumers.
The director general instructed the relevant staff to address the identified issues and maintain the required standards. The authority is expected to continue monitoring food-handling facilities to ensure that businesses follow the rules.
Strict Action Against Businesses Selling Substandard Food
Jillani directed food safety teams across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to intensify inspections and take strict legal action against businesses found selling substandard food products.
He stressed that food quality and public health would not be compromised. According to the authority’s stated position, legal action would be taken against violators without discrimination.
The campaign covers a range of food businesses, including those selling meat, fruits, vegetables, milk and other everyday food items. The aim is to ensure that consumers can purchase food products that meet the required quality and hygiene standards.
Businesses are expected to maintain clean premises, handle food properly and comply with applicable regulations during inspections.
Monitoring From Preparation to Sale
The director general also instructed officials to strengthen monitoring across the food supply chain. This includes the preparation, storage, transportation and sale of food products.
Proper handling at each stage is important because contamination can occur before food reaches shops and markets. Authorities want businesses to follow hygiene requirements throughout these processes rather than focusing only on the final point of sale.
Director Operations Muhammad Yousaf and Deputy Director Peshawar Division Zeeshan Mehsud also accompanied the inspection team during the operation.
What Consumers and Food Businesses Should Know
The province-wide campaign sends a clear message to food businesses that hygiene and product quality must remain a priority. Shopkeepers, milk sellers, butchers and other food operators should ensure that their premises and food-handling practices meet the applicable standards.
Consumers should also pay attention to the condition of food products and the cleanliness of the outlets where they shop. Anyone concerned about food quality can seek guidance from the relevant food safety authorities.
The authority has announced stricter inspections and legal action against violators. However, the supplied information does not specify the total number of businesses inspected or any fines imposed during this particular operation.
The crackdown is intended to strengthen food safety enforcement across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and improve compliance among businesses involved in the sale of food products.
Also read: Punjab Food Authority Seals Three Food Businesses During Crackdown
