The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted extensive enforcement operations across multiple areas of Lahore, resulting in the sealing of five food units, registration of a case against a milk shop, and imposition of fines totaling Rs 247,000 on 17 food businesses. The operations targeted Shalimar Bagh, Gulberg, Raiwind Road, Baghbanpura, and Atta Road, where a total of 22 food points were inspected.
Seizures and Discarded Items
Food safety teams discarded 700 litres of adulterated white solution prepared with vegetable ghee and prohibited ingredients intended for the production of fake milk. Additionally, 524 kilograms of expired food items and prohibited ingredients were confiscated and disposed of. A milk shop was sealed and an FIR was lodged after its milk sample failed laboratory analysis. Teams also recovered and discarded substandard ghee and expired spices from a renowned trader’s shop.
Serious Violations Found
PFA Director General Syed Musa Raza stated that teams found serious violations of food safety regulations, including non-compliance with mandatory food safety SOPs and the FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory management principle. Storage areas were infested with insects and dead cockroaches, while production areas had poor sanitation arrangements and foul-smelling conditions. He noted that finished food products lacked manufacturing and expiry dates, mandatory employees' medical certificates were unavailable, expired stock was stored alongside fresh products, and food items were kept uncovered in violation of food safety regulations.
PFA's Commitment to Food Safety
Raza emphasized that the PFA is ensuring strict implementation of food hygiene, quality standards, mandatory record keeping, and food safety SOPs across the province. He further stated that any compromise on the quality of food products would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The crackdown aligns with Chief Minister Murad's directives for a strict crackdown on wheat hoarding and profiteering to prevent artificial shortages.
