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LAHORE, Nov 09 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Sunday discarded over Rs. 315 million worth of unsafe and fungus-infested preserves (murabba) seized from a haveli-style warehouse on Barah Dari Road in Shahdara, and arrested the unit owner after registering a case.
Acting on the special directive of PFA Director General Asim Javed, food safety teams recovered a large consignment of carrot, apple, bamboo, amla, harad and ashrafi murabbas being prepared from rotten, insect-ridden and fungus-infected fruits and vegetables. Around 45,000 kilograms of contaminated murabba were destroyed, and the premises was sealed while criminal proceedings were initiated.
PFA DG Asim Javed said inspectors found fruits and vegetables stored in non-food-grade drums, a foul and unhygienic production environment, absence of mandatory records, medical certificates and staff training, and multiple violations of food safety regulations. The unit was also using prohibited chemicals to mask odour and remove visible rot before packaging substandard products in attractive wrappers for sale across Punjab.
He said the action forms part of a wider crackdown against the “food fraud mafia,” adding that the PFA will bring to justice those endangering public health for profit. He said that measures are being taken in line with the Chief Minister’s vision to make Punjab free of adulteration.