PFA inspects over 1900 food outlets, imposes fine on 135 outlets last month

LODHRAN, Jun 02 (APP): Punjab Food Authority (PFA) intensified campaign against food adulteration and unhygienic practices in the city, conducting large-scale inspections and enforcement operations during the last month of May.

According to monthly performance report released by the PFA, food safety teams inspected 1,931 food outlets across the district during the month. Improvement notices were issued to 915 food business operators for violations of food safety and hygiene standards, while

135 outlets were fined for serious breaches of regulations.

The crackdown resulted in the confiscation and destruction of 400 kilograms of unsafe meat, 350 litres of soda water and expired cold drinks, 45 litres of rancid oil, and 20 kilograms of prohibited ingredients.

The authorities also got registered an FIR against a food business operator on charges of  fraud and deception, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Production activities at two food outlets were suspended until improvements.

The operations were carried out on the directives of Director General Punjab Food Authority, Syed Musa Raza, as part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and eliminate the sale of substandard food products.

Speaking about the campaign, the DG said strict action was taken against businesses involved in adulteration, fraudulent practices, and poor sanitary conditions. He added that food samples collected during inspections had been sent to laboratory for analysis.

Syed Musa Raza reiterated that the authority was closely monitoring every stage of the food supply chain, from production to distribution.

“The provision of safe and standard food to the people of Punjab is foremost priority,”  he concluded.