LAHORE, Feb 24 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has decided to implement a comprehensive international food safety framework in all public and private slaughterhouses across the province, introducing a dedicated
online portal and finalizing a complete implementation roadmap.
The decision was taken during an important meeting held here on Tuesday, where Director General PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid chaired a session with officials of the Livestock Department and representatives of the Pakistan Halal Authority to develop a coordinated strategy for effective enforcement and monitoring.
Under the new system, pre-mortem and post-mortem examination details of animals must be uploaded to the online portal. Complete information, including the animal’s age, health status, required records, and video documentation, will be digitally maintained. Meat will only be allowed for distribution after post-mortem clearance in accordance with prescribed SOPs.
The DG PFA made it clear that injured, sick, weak, or near-death animals will not be permitted for slaughter. Strict legal action will be taken against individuals found slaughtering diseased animals or operating at unauthorized locations. He stressed that the use of meat from sick or dead animals in the food chain would be prevented at all costs.
The Punjab Food Authority and the Livestock Department will jointly inspect slaughterhouses across the province. The DG emphasized that there would be zero compromise on hygiene standards, mandatory pest control measures, and medical screening of workers. Meat handlers will also receive training, and the entire process, from slaughtering and processing to transportation, will remain under strict surveillance.
Sharing enforcement data, the DG revealed that since August 1, 2025, more than 62,000 meat shops, slaughterhouses, processing units, and suppliers have been inspected. Over 455 cases have been registered, 216 units sealed, and more than 7,645 violators fined Rs72.2 million.
During this period, 16.02 million kilograms of meat were checked, of which 759,000 kilograms were discarded for being unsafe for consumption.
The DG reiterated that phased implementation of improved standards would continue to enhance quality control. He stated that, in line with the Chief Minister’s vision, all resources are being utilized to ensure the provision of safe and quality food, adding that there is no place in Punjab for elements endangering public health