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ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP):Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) officials have seized 120 kilograms of unsafe frozen meat during a major operation in G-13 area of the Federal Capital, uncovering a scheme to sell low-quality meat under attractive packaging.
Meanwhile, the supplier and distribution unit were fined, and the contaminated stock was destroyed on the spot.
Talking to APP, Deputy Director Operations of IFA, Dr Tahira Siddique said, acting on information, a team of IFA conducted a raid, confiscating around 120 kilograms of unfit meat.
According to the Food Authority, the meat was being processed and packed for supply to different markets across Islamabad. During inspection, the team found poor hygiene conditions, dirty freezers, and a foul-smelling environment in the packaging unit. The officials noted that the meat was stored and wrapped in appealing branded packaging to mislead consumers.
Dr. Tahira said the contaminated meat was being prepared in a private home, violating all food safety standards. “The packing and labeling were being done secretly at home without any quality control or inspection,” she said. The IFA team immediately destroyed the meat and sealed the illegal distribution cell.
The Deputy Director stated that the investigation revealed a backward traceability chain leading to a motorcycle supplier involved in distributing the fake frozen meat. “We traced the source of distribution and imposed fines on the supplier for serious violations of food safety regulations,” she said.
The operation exposed multiple breaches of food regulations, including the absence of essential documentation, poor sanitation, and lack of official records related to meat purchase and storage. The IFA also found that the accused had no authorization or valid license to handle or sell frozen food products.
Dr. Tahira emphasized that such activities endanger public health, especially that of children and families consuming ready-to-cook frozen products. “Those playing with public health will not be spared. The Authority is taking strict legal action against individuals involved in food adulteration,” she stated.
The Deputy Director added that continuous inspection drives are being carried out across the federal capital to ensure compliance with food safety laws. She noted that the Authority is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward the sale and distribution of unsafe or substandard food items.
She further urged all food businesses to follow the mandatory food safety regulations and maintain transparent records of product sourcing and distribution. “Ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility. Businesses must adhere to the legal framework before engaging in the food trade,” she said.
The IFA team highlighted that the destroyed meat was unfit for human consumption and could have caused serious health risks if supplied to the market. The seized stock included various ready-to-cook frozen meat products prepared with spoiled meat and packed using fake branding material.
Dr. Tahira reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting citizens from harmful and substandard food. “Our teams are working around the clock to ensure safe food reaches the public. No one will be allowed to profit at the cost of people’s health,” she said.
The Islamabad Food Authority has urged the public to report suspicious or unhygienic food practices to its complaint cell to help curb such illegal activities. The crackdown is part of the Authority’s broader campaign to regulate food handling and enforce hygiene standards across the capital.