Crackdown yields over Rs15m in fines

Throughout the past year, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Food Control Cell continued a crackdown against the preparation and sale of substandard and unhygienic food items.

As a result of challans issued and laboratory testing, fines exceeding Rs15 million were recovered from violators of hygiene standards.

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Food Control Cell has released its annual performance report upon completion of 2025, stating that effective and sustained actions were taken throughout the year to ensure the provision of safe, healthy and quality food to citizens.

According to the report, indiscriminate operations were carried out against hazardous meat, expired food items, substandard dairy products and other unsafe edibles.

During 2025, a total of 1,497 inspections and enforcement actions were conducted, while 894 food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing.

For selling substandard food, fines amounting to Rs15 million were imposed on 992 food points. Meanwhile, 175 food outlets were sealed for serious violations of hygiene principles.

Additionally, during these operations, 45,000 litres of adulterated milk and 695 kilograms of substandard and hazardous meat were destroyed to eliminate threats to public health.

The food control cell of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities with dedication to ensure the supply of better, standard and healthy food across all cantonment areas. Cantonment Executive Officer Aamir Rasheed has issued clear directives to ensure that in 2026 as well, no adulterated, substandard or unhygienic food items are allowed to be supplied to residents, and that strict legal action is taken against those who attempt to prioritise profit over human health.