PFA rolls out ‘Star Rating Program' to benchmark Rawalpindi eateries against global hygiene standards

RAWALPINDI, Sep 29 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has formally initiated the operational groundwork for its comprehensive 'Star Rating Program' across food establishments in Rawalpindi, aiming to benchmark local eateries against international food safety and hygiene standards. Under the initiative, PFA food safety teams will inspect and classify restaurants, hotels, fast-food outlets, and food courts on a scale of 1 to 5 Stars based on rigorous operational and sanitary audits. Official sources told APP on Tuesday that the rating framework is designed to ensure strict compliance with public health regulations while fostering healthy competition among food business operators. According to the PFA, the evaluation process focuses on three primary parameters: food quality and safety, kitchen and staff hygiene, and customer facilities. Inspectors will examine the purity of raw ingredients, storage temperatures, adherence to Halal standards, clean preparation areas, waste disposal systems, and mandatory medical fitness certificates for kitchen staff. Upon completing the audit, qualifying establishments will be issued official PFA Star Rating certificates equipped with QR codes, which must be displayed at main entrances. The PFA has also integrated the system into its digital platform, allowing citizens to check the official hygiene scores of restaurants before dining. Officials emphasized that while high-performing eateries will receive top-tier 5-Star recognition to boost consumer confidence, low-scoring outlets will be served warning notices with a strict deadline to rectify deficiencies before facing legal action. Phased inspections across key commercial centers in Rawalpindi, including Saddar, Murree Road, Commercial Market, and Bahria Town, are set to commence in the coming days.