LAHORE, Feb 08 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) discarded 205 kilograms of hazardous meat after foiling an attempt to supply meat obtained from sick animals during an operation at Bakra Mandi on the directives of Director General PFA Asim Javed.
The teams also seized two chemical drums, 31 hooks and other equipment, and registered a case against those involved. The meat, prepared from diseased goats and buffaloes, was intended for sale in the open market.
PFA DG Asim Javed said butchers were caught red-handed while preparing meat in an illegal slaughterhouse under extremely unhygienic conditions, including in front of a bathroom. He said meat was being prepared on the ground in violation of food safety laws, posing a serious risk to public health.
He added that a veterinary specialist conducted a detailed on-site inspection and declared the animals unfit for human consumption, terming the meat hazardous to human health. The contaminated meat was immediately destroyed at the site.
The DG further said the slaughterhouse lacked basic cleanliness arrangements, mandatory records were not available and insects were found in large numbers. He noted that timely action by the food safety teams prevented the supply of unsafe meat to consumers.
Asim Javed said the Punjab Food Authority had introduced modern and easy-to-follow standard operating procedures to improve meat quality across the province. He emphasized that cases were being continuously registered against those involved in food adulteration and illegal practices. He said that there would be no leniency for elements endangering public health, warning that strict legal action would be taken against violators of food safety laws.