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ISLAMABAD, May 21 (APP):The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) on Wednesday carried out a surprise operation during the early hours of the morning in the jurisdiction of Thana Sumbal and seized over 400 kg spoiled meat.
The raid was conducted following a tip-off about the transport of spoiled and low-quality meat being delivered to restaurants in the federal capital.
According to the IFA, their team launched the operation around 1 a.m. Based on the information received, officials intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of suspicious meat. The meat was being supplied to several restaurants in the city and was found to be unhygienic and foul-smelling.
Officials confirmed the recovery of 400 kilograms—approximately 10 maunds—of substandard meat from the vehicle. The meat was taken into custody and the vehicle was shifted to the local police station for further action.
Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority, Dr. Tahira Siddique, supervised the raid and later shared details. She stated that the seized meat was intended for use in various meat-based products, including shawarma, in local restaurants.
“The meat was not only of poor quality but also unfit for human consumption,” she said, adding that strict action has been initiated against the supplier. A case has been registered against the accused, and a heavy fine has been imposed in line with food safety regulations.
Dr. Siddique further explained that such raids are part of ongoing efforts by the authority to monitor food quality across the city, especially during night hours when unregulated activities are more likely to take place.
According to initial investigations, the accused was delivering the meat without following any hygiene standards or proper storage conditions. Authorities believe that the meat was collected from questionable sources and had been stored without refrigeration for an extended period.
The suspect admitted that the meat was to be used in making shawarma and other fast food items.
Following the raid, the Food Authority emphasized the importance of strict monitoring and called on restaurant owners to ensure they are sourcing meat from certified and legal suppliers. Officials warned that similar operations would continue in different parts of the city.
The seized meat was later disposed of under the supervision of food safety officers to prevent any chances of it re-entering the market.
Dr. Siddique noted that consumers should also remain alert and report any suspicious food quality or unhygienic practices they encounter in restaurants or food delivery services.
She added that public cooperation is key to improving food safety standards. “We encourage people to report concerns so immediate action can be taken,” she said.
The Islamabad Food Authority plans to further expand its inspection efforts by setting up a night surveillance team dedicated to checking food deliveries after hours. Officials believe this will help close a major gap that suppliers have been exploiting to avoid detection.
Health and safety officials say consuming spoiled or low-quality meat can lead to serious health issues, including food poisoning and infections. This makes it vital for both consumers and restaurants to be vigilant about the origin and condition of the food they serve or consume.