LAHORE:The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) stopped production at a snacks unit over charges of adulteration and seized more than 24,000kg unwholesome food during a raid at Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, here on Friday.
The raid was conducted under the supervision of PFA Director General Mudassar Riaz Malik. The authority seized 7,000kg of substandard snacks, 17,000kg of raw material, packing material and machinery.
The DG said that the food authority took action against the factory for using expired powders, chemicals and loose colours in preparation of candies. While snacks were being mixed on the surface of the floor without following the Punjab Pure Food Regulations, he added.
The PFA DG said that the food business operator failed to present the record of oil changing; however, substandard snacks were selling in the market without getting approval of labeling and products registration from the competent authority. Apart from that, the authority witnessed the worst condition of hygiene during the raid.
The director general said that the use of prohibited and expired raw material in preparation of food was a heinous crime. He said that strict action would be taken against the food business operators using inferior quality ingredients in candies and snacks.
He warned the food business operators to strictly follow the Punjab Pure Food Regulations; otherwise, lawbreakers would be dealt with strictly. He requested the public to inform the PFA on its Facebook page or toll-free No 080080500 in case of witnessing adulteration in their surroundings.