Lahore: On the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority Mansoor Ahmed, food safety teams conducted a major crackdown against water filtration plants and food businesses in different areas of Lahore.
The operation was carried out in Thokar Niaz Baig, Mohlanwal, Raiwind Road and Johar Town, resulting in the closure of nine water filtration plants and imposition of Rs236,000 in fines on 18 units for violations of food safety laws.
According to DG Mansoor Ahmed, action was taken after water samples collected from the facilities failed laboratory tests. The laboratory examination found various harmful bacteria in the water, while the required food safety standards were also not being followed.
He said that records of mandatory filter replacement and other essential documents were not available at the inspected facilities. Medical and training certificates of food handlers were also found incomplete.
The food safety teams further observed poor hygiene conditions at food points, including dirty and rusted freezers, foul-smelling environments, broken floors, dirty walls and cobwebs.
Mansoor Ahmed said the sale of substandard food and unsafe drinking water would not be tolerated under any circumstances.