Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) enforcement teams inspected 22 food points and production units, sealed two food units, registered two FIRs and imposed Rs. 456,000 fine on 18 food business operators.
The teams also discarded 1,550 litres of substandard oil, 200kg of unsafe meat and other prohibited food ingredients.
Food safety teams recovered substandard meat from a haveli (livestock holding) at Bakra Mandi and registered an FIR over food fraud. Another FIR was lodged after the inspection of an oil warehouse on Samsani Road due to serious food safety violations. A renowned restaurant on GT Road and another food unit in Ghora Shah were also sealed for violating PFA regulations.
DG PFA Raja Mansoor Ahmad said that poor sanitation and multiple violations of food safety laws were observed during the inspections. Used cooking oil was stored uncovered in containers and tins, while mandatory records and traceability documents were unavailable. Inspectors also found utensils being washed with non-food-grade detergent in violation of food safety regulations.
He said that food handlers lacked mandatory medical screening and food safety training certificates, while unhygienic freezers and foul-smelling conditions were found at the inspected premises.
He has requested all food business operators to strictly comply with the Punjab Food Authority regulations. He further stated that protecting public health remains the PFA’s top priority and that a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration will continue.