Lahore: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed 14 food businesses, lodged one FIR and discarded 400kg of substandard food products, 200 liters of adulterated milk, over 80kg of China salt and other unsafe food items during a major crackdown. The enforcement teams of the PFA imposed fines worth Rs1.032 million on 36 food businesses for violating food safety regulations. The operation was carried out under the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority Raja Mansoor Ahmad.
Food safety team inspected 50 food points and production units across different areas of Lahore. The teams took enforcement action against businesses that failed to comply with previously issued instructions. During the inspections, mandatory water testing reports, medical screening certificates and food safety training certificates were found missing at several premises.
The PFA Director General said that poor sanitation conditions, along with heavy infestations of insects, lizards and cockroaches, were observed at multiple food businesses. He said that open drains, broken flooring, stagnant dirty water and foul odors were found in food processing areas, posing serious risks to public health.
He said that food products carrying unapproved labels and lacking manufacturing and expiry dates were also recovered. Rusted and damaged freezers were being used, while dairy products and meat were stored together in violation of food safety regulations.
He further stated that all food businesses must operate in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Punjab Food Authority. He appealed to the public to support PFA in eliminating the adulteration mafia and report to the PFA on its 1223 helpline number in case of any complaints.