Much needed check: Unhygienic food sellers in the dock

Food inspectors impose fines on eateries selling substandard food.

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified campaign against the unhygienic food outlets in the city and rural areas.

Islamabad Assistant Commissioner Waqas Rashid on Saturday checked food and hygiene quality in different markets in Bhara Kahu and Tarlai and Murree Road. He imposed fines amounting to Rs 59,000 for violations of hygiene and sanitation rules.

He imposed fines on eateries including Wow Fast Food, Capital Lodge, Ramada Hotel, Bin Kuwait Marriage Hall, and Jadi Cash and Carry. The AC said that sanitary conditions at these outlets were found unhygienic.

The ICT administration has asked the restaurants, shopkeepers and vendors to ensure food quality and hygienic conditions.

Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is also carrying out a drive against unhygienic food sellers in the city.

CDA Health Directorate fined 12 persons and issued notices to another 30 for selling substandard food during the last week.

CDA teams also confiscated 15 litres of expired ketchup, five dozens of sub-standard snacks. The teams sealed a restaurant for unhygienic conditions and substandard food.

CDA Member Administration Amer Ali Ahmed chaired a meeting on Friday to review the campaign against unhygienic food.

Health Directorate told the meeting that teams were frequently conducting raids in different parts of the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2014.