Health proof made mandatory for food staff

The Rawalpindi District Health Authority has made it mandatory for all workers in food production and sales, service industries, salons, healthcare centres, and shopping malls to possess valid health certificates proving they are free from hepatitis and other communicable diseases.

The directive applies to shopkeepers, factory employees, restaurant and hotel staff, food vendors, barbers, beauty salons, wedding halls, shopping malls, departmental stores, sweet shops, and grocery store workers.

Only certificates issued by Punjab Healthcare Commission-registered laboratories will be accepted, according to officials. Documents from private labs or other entities will not be recognised.

The measure has been taken by the government as part of efforts to eliminate and control the spread of hepatitis in Punjab, they said. Health inspection teams will begin visiting food establishments and other relevant businesses next week. Special teams are being formed for this purpose.

Any establishment found with employees lacking valid health certificates will face an immediate Rs5,000 fine under Sections 270, 269, and 278 of the Punjab Hepatitis Act 2018. Repeat violations during subsequent inspections will result in the sealing of the premises.