SFA launches drive to inspect educational institutions’ canteens across Sindh

In a proactive move to safeguard the health and well-being of students across the province, the Sindh Food Authority (SFA) has initiated a thorough inspection campaign targeting canteens in schools, colleges, and universities.

This initiative aims to ensure that students are provided with safe, high-quality food options that promote a healthy learning environment.

Director General Sindh Food Authority Muzamil Hussain Halepoto has directed all food safety officers (FSOs) to conduct surprise visits to educational institutions within their respective jurisdictions.

In a statement on Tuesday, he said the inspections are designed to enforce strict food safety standards and address any concerns regarding the quality of food served to students.

In response to the directives, SFA teams have visited and inspected canteens in several institutions, including IBA Sukkur and Indus Law College, besides various schools and colleges in Hyderabad and Thatta. During these inspections, FSOs are meticulously assessing multiple aspects of food safety, with a strong focus on the hygiene and cleanliness of the canteen environment.

This includes thorough checks on kitchen and food preparation areas, storage facilities, and serving stations, as maintaining a clean environment is essential to prevent contamination.

Labelling practices are also being carefully evaluated, with FSOs ensuring that all food items display clear ingredient lists, nutritional information, and expiration dates to prevent the sale of expired or mislabelled products.

DG Halepoto said the inspection process includes monitoring cooking practices to confirm that food is prepared under proper handling conditions. This measure aims to eliminate risks of bacterial contamination and safeguard students’ health.

Storage conditions, particularly for perishable items, are being checked to ensure that food is kept at suitable temperatures to avoid spoilage.

He further stated that canteens that fail to meet safety standards will be issued corrective notices and given a specific timeframe to resolve issues. He added that beyond enforcing regulations, food safety officers are also working to educate canteen staff and management on best practices for food storage, handling, and sanitation. Our goal is to support canteen operators in creating an environment where students can safely enjoy their meals.

“This initiative reflects the SFA’s commitment to prioritize students’ health by ensuring they have access to safe, nutritious food in their educational environments. The quality of food served directly impacts their well-being and academic performance, and we are dedicated to maintaining high food safety standards across all institutions,” the SFA DG emphasized.

He concluded that this campaign is part of the SFA’s broader mission to uphold food safety in all public institutions, with ongoing inspections scheduled to continue across educational and other food-serving establishments.