No Compromise on Food Adulteration in Hazara: Strict Action Against Violators
Mubashir Manzoor - UrduPoint
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has intensified inspections across the Hazara Division, ensuring the safe and quality supply of halal food. Regional Director Mubashir Manzoor has warned against food adulteration, stating that violators will face strict legal action.
Manzoor emphasized the authority's commitment to monitoring the food supply chain, from farms to consumers, through regular checks on businesses, from roadside vendors to industrial units. Modern testing kits are employed to detect adulterated milk and harmful substances. Despite no reports of chemically adulterated milk in Hazara, cases of water and milk-powder adulteration have been identified. Manzoor assured that any form of milk adulteration would not be tolerated.
The regional director outlined ongoing registration processes for food businesses and an expansion of monitoring to remote areas. Citizens are encouraged to submit suspected milk samples for testing, with a 24-hour response time for complaints.
Regarding poultry meat, Manzoor directed poultry sellers to conduct chicken slaughtering in front of customers and charge based on the weight of the live bird. Strict enforcement will be implemented for non-compliance.
Regular inspections are also conducted at school canteens, hotels, bakeries, and other food outlets, addressing issues of expired products, substandard food colors, and incorrect labeling.
The authority aims to introduce modern food carts, a restaurant rating system, and QR codes for consumer feedback. Open-kitchen systems are being promoted to enhance transparency and food safety.
Manzoor encouraged citizens to report food-related issues to the Food Safety and Halal Food Authority's complaint cell. He actively addressed citizen queries and complaints during a live radio program.