In a significant move to ensure public health and safety, the district administration of Rawalpindi has taken action against food outlets in the region due to appalling hygiene standards and the use of deteriorated meat. On Friday, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and OMG outlets located in Chaklala Scheme-III and Askari-3 found themselves under official scrutiny and were subsequently sealed for violating food safety regulations.
The Assistant Commissioner Cantonment, Qandeel Fatima Memon, took decisive action after receiving a complaint about a steel wire discovered in a burger fillet at KFC Scheme 3. Upon verifying the authenticity of the complaint, KFC Scheme 3 was promptly sealed. The food establishment was sternly cautioned about the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of their kitchen facilities and the proper preparation of food.
In a parallel operation, the assistant commissioner cantonment moved to seal OMG Restaurant in Askari 3. This action followed a complaint about OMG serving burgers with a foul odor, prompting an inspection of their kitchen facilities. The inspection revealed an alarming state of affairs, with cockroaches infesting the kitchen, and uncovered food jars left without lids. In light of these unsanitary conditions, the restaurant was sealed.
Assistant Commissioner Qandeel Fatima Memon emphasized that food outlets are obligated to obtain medical examination certificates from the district health authority. Furthermore, it is mandatory for these establishments to subject their chefs and workers to medical tests twice a year, with medical reports obtained from government hospitals. This stringent protocol is in place to safeguard public health.
The provincial government has issued clear directives to take strict action against any entities that compromise the well-being of the public. In line with these directives, Assistant Commissioner Memon expressed her commitment to conducting surprise visits to cantonment areas in the coming days to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. She underscored that the district administration of Rawalpindi is dedicated to protecting its residents and ensuring that clean and wholesome food is readily available to the people of the district.
This decisive action taken by the district administration serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous food safety standards within the food industry. It also highlights the government’s commitment to upholding public health and safety.