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ISLAMABAD, Nov 07 (APP): The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has taken a major step to ensure safe and nutritious food for students by initiating a food safety and awareness campaign in the capital’s public and private schools.
The initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits and protect children’s physical and mental development.
Deputy Director of IFA, Dr. Tahira Siddique, met with representatives of the Private School Association to discuss the campaign’s goals and implementation. The meeting focused on ensuring high food quality in school canteens and raising awareness among children about making better dietary choices.
A training session was held for representatives from over 31 educational institutions of Islamabad. Participants were briefed on maintaining hygiene, selecting nutritious food, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
Dr. Siddique announced that a phase-wise inspection of school canteens would begin immediately. Food handlers will be trained under IFA’s supervision to meet hygiene and safety standards. “All food handlers and vendors in school canteens must sell only IFA-approved food items,” she said.
The Deputy Director added that once the grace period for improving food quality ends, IFA teams will conduct follow-up inspections. Any violations of regulations will result in license cancellations and closure of cafés or canteens.
Dr. Siddique emphasized that all food handlers working in school cafeterias, canteens, and mess halls must undergo medical checks and training sessions before handling food. “The authority will not tolerate any compromise on the quality of food served to children,” she warned.
She reiterated that ensuring the health and well-being of students is IFA’s top priority. The campaign is designed to promote nutritious diets that contribute to better physical and mental growth among school-aged children.
The session was attended by Private School Association President Zofran Elahi, General Secretary Abdul Waheed Khan, and other school representatives, who appreciated IFA’s efforts to make school environments safer and healthier for students.