The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted a raid on a juice processing unit on Jatoi Road in Muzaffargarh on Friday, seizing 16,700 kilograms of rotten mangoes and imposing a fine of Rs 200,000 on the factory administration for violating food safety regulations.
Raid Details and Violations
According to a PFA spokesperson, the raid was carried out on the directives of PFA Director General Syed Musa Raza under the supervision of Director Operations South-I. Officials reported that the spoiled mangoes were allegedly being processed into mango pulp intended for juice production for public consumption. The inspection team discovered rotten fruit mixed with fresh stock in an apparent attempt to conceal its poor quality.
Multiple hygiene violations were found at the facility, including the presence of insects and dead flies in the storage area. The PFA described the conditions as a serious threat to public health. The confiscated mangoes were discarded on the spot, and the factory was fined Rs 200,000 for breaching food safety standards.
PFA's Stance on Food Safety
The PFA reiterated that action against food businesses compromising public health would continue without discrimination. DG Syed Musa Raza urged consumers to opt for freshly prepared homemade juices, emphasizing the authority's commitment to ensuring the supply of safe food across the province.
Other Incidents in Muzaffargarh
Separately, a minor girl died after the wall of her mud house collapsed on her in Thatha Siyalan Pull on Friday. Rescue officials identified the victim as Hasseba Bibi, 19, who was inside the house when the wall suddenly caved in, trapping her under rubble. Rescuers pulled her from the debris and shifted her to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. Local sources said the girl's father, a daily-wage laborer, had been unable to repair the dilapidated house due to financial hardship. Residents noted that the structure had long been in poor condition before the tragic incident.
In another development, a thief gang was busted and two suspects arrested, though further details were not immediately available.
