Food Safety Programme: Capital authorities, FAO to train street vendors

Around 1,500 to 2,000 samples of food items from across the city will be collected and analysed scientifically

ISLAMABAD: Health authorities have launched a food and safety programme in the capital to scientifically examine the level of adulteration in various food items being sold in the market.

The programme was launched by Capital Development Authority (CDA) directorate of health and the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.



The programme includes categorising food sellers and vendors, mapping of street-food vendors and their behaviours, analysis of various food samples and training of food vendors.

Under this initiative, around 1,500 to 2,000 samples of various food items from across the city would be collected and analysed scientifically to determine the level of adulteration, said Health Directorate Chief Dr Hassan Orooj.

He said that people are usually concerned about food items they consume such as milk, chicken and other cooked items.

He added that while there may be some genuine issues, there are a lot of misconceptions as well which cause various rumours to spread.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2017.