Punjab Food Authority Launches Major Raid on Unsafe Snacks Factory in Lahore
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted a significant operation in Lahore's Gujjumata area on Saturday, resulting in the destruction of a large quantity of contaminated food products and the arrest of two suspects. The raid was part of the intensified "Adulteration-Free Punjab" campaign, spearheaded by Punjab's Chief Minister and directed by PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid, with special focus during the holy month of Ramazan.
Massive Seizure of Contaminated Food Items
During the inspection, authorities discovered and subsequently destroyed 50,000 litres of contaminated, used cooking oil along with 40,000 kilograms of unsafe papad and namkeen snacks. The PFA spokesperson revealed that the namkeen snacks were being prepared using dirty, reused oil and substandard raw materials, posing serious health risks to consumers.
Unhygienic Conditions and False Labelling Exposed
The raiding team documented numerous violations at the factory premises. Raw ingredients and finished products were found lying uncovered on the floor, while the facility suffered from poor sanitation arrangements, open drains, and a filthy washing area. The environment was described as foul-smelling, with rusted utensils in use and the presence of rats and lizards noted throughout the premises.
Investigators also uncovered that the factory was using false labelling with fake addresses on attractively packaged products before supplying them to Lahore's wholesale market, deceiving both retailers and consumers about the origin and quality of the snacks.
Additional Seizures and Legal Action
Beyond the destroyed items, the authority confiscated substantial quantities of other materials from the unit, including:
- 2,400 kilograms of flour
- 2,500 kilograms of adulterated besan (gram flour)
- 1,000 kilograms of loose spices
- Four frying cauldrons
- Multiple mixing and grinding machines
The PFA has registered a formal case against the factory operators, and the two arrested suspects are facing legal proceedings for their involvement in the production and distribution of unsafe food products. Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid emphasized that such operations reflect the authority's commitment to enforcing strict food safety standards across Punjab, particularly during sensitive periods like Ramazan when food consumption patterns change significantly.
This crackdown serves as a warning to other food manufacturers operating without proper hygiene standards and highlights the ongoing efforts to protect consumers from adulterated and unsafe food products in the region.
