ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) on Thursday launched surprise inspections before eid to monitor the quality of milk being delivered in the Federal Capital and inspected 36,500 liters of milk in which 3000 liters disposed off due to poor quality. The move comes as part of a wider plan to ensure safe food reaches citizens during the festive season. Talking to media, Deputy Director Operations of IFA, Dr Tahira Siddique said that a surprise campaign was launched in Rawat, focusing on key entry points such as GT Road and T-Chowk. During the campaign, the IFA teams checked 24 vehicles carrying milk into Islamabad. These inspections led to the examination of 36,500 litres of milk to determine whether the quality met the required safety standards. She said, out of the 24 vehicles inspected, 15 were cleared after passing quality checks. DNA
However, the remaining nine were found to be transporting substandard milk. These vehicles were fined a total of Rs. 125,000 for violating food safety regulations. More than 3,000 litres of poor-quality milk were disposed of on the spot by the Food Authority teams.
This action was taken after the milk failed to meet safety benchmarks.Dr. Tahira Siddique, Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, said that field teams will remain active during the Eid holidays to ensure continued monitoring. “Our teams will be present across different areas during Eid to stop the supply and production of substandard food in Islamabad,” she said.
The milk inspection campaign is one part of a broader initiative by the Food Authority to maintain strict food safety ahead of Eid ul Azha, a time when food consumption and meat distribution typically increase. The inspection process included tests for water content, temperature, colour, and smell to identify spoiled or diluted milk.
IFA’s recent action follows complaints of poor-quality milk being sold in parts of the city. Many residents had raised concerns about milk that appeared to be watered down or stale. In response, the Food Authority designed a strategy to conduct unannounced checks at points where milk is brought into the capital.
According to officials, surprise inspections are more effective in identifying violations as they prevent suppliers from altering their practices temporarily. “If we announce our checks, transporters often change their routes or stop supplying milk for the day. That’s why our teams visit without notice,” an IFA officer explained.
The Food Authority has also urged milk suppliers to follow hygienic practices during storage and transport. Trucks carrying milk are expected to maintain specific temperatures and use clean containers to avoid contamination.
IFA teams include trained inspectors who use mobile testing kits to evaluate milk samples on site. The inspectors are also authorized to fine violators and discard unsafe products immediately.The authority also plans to monitor meat markets, bakeries, and sweet shops during Eid, Dr Tahira said.
The Food Authority has asked citizens to report any suspected sale of substandard food. The Food Authority has assured the public that it will continue to take action to prevent the sale of unsafe food items in Islamabad. Its teams are expected to remain active throughout the Eid period.
