RAWALPINDI, Feb 26 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) have destroyed 28,000 litres of adulterated and fake milk during a large-scale joint crackdown against milk adulteration in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi over the past two months.
According to a PFA spokesman on Thursday, during the campaign teams inspected around 130,000 litres of milk and registered cases against 14 individuals found involved in adulteration.
He said the teams conducted raids at various locations on the basis of intelligence and surveillance. Inspections revealed that large quantities of milk were being prepared by mixing powdered milk and vegetable oil.
Over the two-month period, a total of 68 milk samples were collected. Of these, 23 samples failed due to water adulteration, while 14 were rejected after the presence of powdered milk and vegetable oil was confirmed.
The spokesman said that 1,000 kilograms of vegetable ghee/oil, 525 kilograms of powdered milk and a large quantity of detergent were recovered during the operations. The seized items were to be used in the preparation of fake milk.
The adulterated milk was intended for supply in the twin cities and adjoining areas, but timely action prevented large quantities from reaching the market, he added.
The spokesman reiterated that ensuring the provision of safe and quality food to citizens remained the PFA’s top priority. He said indiscriminate action against the adulteration mafia would continue and no leniency would be shown to those violating the law.
He urged citizens to report complaints regarding adulteration in milk or other food items to the helpline 1223 to ensure prompt action.