In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on food adulteration across Lahore. This drive is a core part of the Chief Minister's Healthy Punjab Mission, aiming to eradicate the sale of hazardous and substandard food items from the city.
Widespread Inspections and Penalties
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted rigorous inspections at 98 prominent food outlets throughout Lahore. The authority took strict action, resulting in the sealing of one food unit and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) for serious legal violations.
Furthermore, 10 food businesses were slapped with fines totaling Rs 260,000 for failing to comply with established food safety protocols.
Massive Quantity of Contaminated Food Destroyed
During the operations, PFA teams identified and confiscated large quantities of unfit-for-consumption products. The seized items, which were subsequently destroyed, included 800 litres of adulterated milk, 105 litres of substandard beverages, and 4 maunds of rotten vegetables.
Inspectors also disposed of expired raw materials and a banned substance known as China salt. In a major action within the Muslim Town area, authorities intercepted a milk supplier's tanker and disposed of an additional 800 litres of adulterated milk, followed by the formal registration of a case against the supplier.
Alarming Hygiene Violations Uncovered
The PFA report detailed shocking hygiene conditions at several establishments. Common violations included a complete absence of essential operational records and employees working without mandatory medical fitness certificates.
Kitchen inspections revealed fungus-infected freezers, dirty and broken floors, and the use of contaminated water for washing meat. Officials also discovered rusted utensils and clear evidence of insect infestations in multiple food preparation areas.
PFA Director General Asim Javed emphasized that the use of such substandard and harmful ingredients poses severe risks to public health. He stated that the authority is actively working, as directed by the Chief Minister of Punjab, to elevate all stages of the food production and supply chains to meet international standards.
DG Javed affirmed that the strict action against food adulteration will continue unabated. He also urged citizens to be vigilant and to carefully read product labels before making any food purchases. The public has been encouraged to report any food safety violations directly to the PFA helpline at 1223.
