KEY POINTS
- Islamabad Food Authority mandates safety caps for chefs, waiters, and food handlers.
- Non-compliance will result in the immediate sealing of food establishments.
- Inspection teams will conduct surprise checks across the city to enforce food safety regulations.
- Citizens are encouraged to report violations to the Islamabad Food Authority.
ISLAMABAD: In a move to improve food safety and hygiene, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has rolled out new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for restaurants and food points across Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The most notable change: all chefs, waiters, and staff handling food must wear safety caps at all times, a regulation aimed at promoting cleanliness and minimizing contamination risks.
The move comes as part of the IFA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring public health and safety, with a focus on strict hygiene practices at food establishments.
According to the new SOPs, any restaurant or food point found in violation of this rule will face immediate closure.
The Food Authority has urged citizens to report instances where they spot restaurant staff not adhering to the cap-wearing policy, playing an active role in enforcing the new regulations.
Crackdowns and Inspections to Ensure Compliance
Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, while outlining the importance of the new SOPs, emphasized that this measure is just one of many being introduced to ensure food safety in the city.
“We are committed to keeping Islamabad’s food points up to international hygiene standards. Anyone found violating these guidelines will face serious consequences, including immediate sealing of their premises,” said the Director.
In addition to enforcing the cap-wearing rule, the IFA has stepped up its inspection efforts. Teams of inspectors will be conducting surprise checks at restaurants, bakeries, and street food vendors across Islamabad to ensure that food safety rules are being followed.
The Director also called for greater citizen involvement, urging residents to identify and report restaurants that fail to comply with the new SOPs.
Commitment to Safe and Healthy Food
Speaking exclusively to We News English, Dr. Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director Operations at the IFA, reinforced the authority’s dedication to the health and safety of Islamabad’s citizens.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring the availability of safe, clean, and healthy food for everyone in Islamabad,” Dr. Siddique said. “Our main objective is not only strict monitoring and licensing but also to educate food handlers about the importance of cleanliness and food safety standards.”
Dr. Siddique further revealed that the IFA is running continuous public awareness campaigns to inform food handlers about the significance of personal hygiene, proper food storage, and the prevention of foodborne illnesses.
These campaigns are designed to educate everyone involved in food preparation, from street vendors to large restaurants, on how to prevent contamination and ensure the food served is safe for consumption.
Targeting Illegal Food Operations
The crackdown on illegal food operations has also been ramped up. According to Dr. Siddique, the IFA’s surveillance teams are monitoring unregistered food businesses that do not comply with safety standards.
Many of these operations are based on confidential reports and investigations, with the goal of tracking down suppliers and kitchens that do not meet the approved food safety criteria.
“We are also working in coordination with local administration and health departments to ensure that every aspect of food storage, handling, and preparation is closely monitored,” added Dr. Siddique.
How Citizens Can Help
To further bolster the effectiveness of these measures, the Islamabad Food Authority has called on citizens to report any instances of unhygienic practices or violations of the new SOPs.
Complaints can be submitted through the IFA’s official helpline and website, with assurances that each report will be addressed promptly and thoroughly.
“We cannot do this alone,” said Dr. Siddique. “We need the support of the community to ensure that food safety regulations are followed everywhere. By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for all.”
