Multan:The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) continued its crackdown against adulterated and substandard food products across South Punjab, seizing 20 kilograms of inferior spices and packaging material and imposed fines Rs1,80,000 on three food businesses.
According to the PFA spokesperson, food safety teams, led by Director Operations South Rameez Zafar, inspected various food points along Luddan road, 7-Kilometer Multan road and Arif Bazaar in Burewala.
During an inspection of a spice grinding unit in Burewala, the team found that counterfeit spices were being prepared and packed using the names of well-known brands. The officials seized 20kg of substandard spices and fake packaging material from the premises and got a case registered against the owner.
A departmental store was fined Rs100,000 for poor cleanliness arrangements in its grocery section, unclean freezers, the presence of insects in the storage area and the use of contaminated and substandard baskets for storing food items.
Similarly, a restaurant was fined Rs30,000 after expired food items were found in its kitchen and food was being stored in a contaminated freezer.
PFA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmed said that those compromising public health would not be tolerated and that indiscriminate action against adulteration, counterfeit food products and substandard food would continue.
He said ensuring the provision of safe and quality food was among the authority’s top priorities, adding that strict legal action would be taken against those violating food safety standards.
Citizens could report regarding substandard or hazardous food to the Punjab Food Authority helpline 1223.