Established in 1985 as the Civil Supplies Department, the Food Department of Gilgit-Baltistan has undergone significant transformations to better serve the region. Initially tasked with distributing various essentials like wheat, sugar, and salt, its focus narrowed post-2006 to primarily supplying wheat and flour. The pivotal year of 2012 marked its separation from the Livestock and Agriculture sectors, gaining autonomy and a dedicated secretary. With the enactment of the Food Act, its mandate expanded beyond mere distribution of wheat/flour to encompass comprehensive oversight of food production and distribution in Gilgit-Baltistan. This evolution underscores the department's crucial role in ensuring food security and effective management of food resources within the region.

Objectives

1. Prevent food adulteration, contamination and unsafe food practices.
2. Enforce food safety standards and applicable legal requirements.
3. Strengthen inspection, sampling, testing and regulatory monitoring.
4. Promote food fortification and nutritional improvement.
5. Ensure transparent management of subsidized wheat supplies.
6. Educate consumers and encourage compliance by food businesses.