PFA imposes Rs443,000 fine on 27 food units over food safety violations

LAHORE, Jun 28 (APP): Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed two food businesses, registered a first information

report (FIR) against one unit and imposed fines totaling Rs443,000 on 27 others during a large-scale enforcement operation against food safety violations, here on Sunday.

The crackdown was carried out on the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority Syed Musa Raza, with inspection teams raiding 29 food businesses in different parts of the provincial capital.

During the operation, a well-known food outlet in Nishtar Town was sealed for violating food safety regulations, while a frozen meat processing unit in Ichhra was shut down and an FIR was registered after the owners failed to implement the authority’s earlier directions.

According to PFA DG, the inspection teams found that the frozen meat unit was operating without a valid Punjab Food Authority licence. Raw materials and prepared food items were lying uncovered on the floor, creating a serious risk of contamination.

He said inspectors also detected poor storage conditions, dirty floors, the use of rusted utensils and unauthorized labels on food products. In addition, the units failed to display manufacturing and expiry dates on finished products, while mandatory water testing reports were also unavailable.

DG Syed Musa Raza said the PFA would continue indiscriminate action against businesses endangering public health through the sale and production of unsafe food.

He added that vigilance and food safety teams had been directed to intensify inspections across the

province to eliminate food adulteration and fraudulent practices.

He warned that strict legal action would continue against those violating food safety laws, emphasizing that no food business would be allowed to operate unless it fully complied with the Punjab Food Authority’s regulations and hygiene standards.