Inspections conducted at 2,054 food outlets; 486 samples tested, 87 outlets found using rancid frying oil; heavy fines and improvement notices issued, says DG Kashif Iqbal Jilani
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has discarded more than 2,200 litres of substandard frying oil during a three-day province-wide campaign against the use of unhealthy cooking oil at food outlets.
The campaign was launched on the directives of the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a spokesperson for the authority.
Food safety teams inspected 2,054 food outlets across the province during the drive and tested 486 samples of frying oil using modern oil testing meters.
Out of the total samples, 399 were declared satisfactory, while 87 outlets were found using repeatedly used and rancid frying oil considered hazardous to health. As a result, officials discarded 2,204 litres of substandard oil on the spot.
According to the spokesperson, the largest quantity — 757 litres — was disposed of in Mardan, followed by 575 litres in Peshawar, 205 litres in Swabi, 120 litres in Karak, 102 litres in Upper Dir, 100 litres in Swat and 80 litres in Dera Ismail Khan.
Significant quantities of substandard oil were also confiscated and discarded in Nowshera, Charsadda, Buner, Kohat, Lower Chitral, Lower Dir, Mansehra and Malakand.
During the drive, inspection teams also conducted special checks at kebab shops, hotels, sweet shops and outlets selling pakoras and samosas, as well as iftar points.
Several businesses found using substandard oil were issued warnings and improvement notices, while heavy fines were imposed on violators.
Director General of the authority Kashif Iqbal Jilani appreciated the efforts of the food safety teams and said such special campaigns would continue to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to the public.
He also warned that strict legal action would be taken against those violating food safety and hygiene standards.
