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LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) carried out a large-scale crackdown in the early hours of Tuesday at Tollinton Market, Lahore’s largest meat market, targeting the sale of diseased and underweight chickens.
During the operation meat safety task force discarded 2,270 kilograms of diseased and underweight chickens.
Food safety teams set up checkpoints and inspected 89,000 kilograms of meat. A total of 25 meat warehouses and suppliers were checked, and fines were imposed on three for violating the Punjab Pure Food Regulations.
PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid told media that the chickens were found suffering from flu, weakness and low weight and were intended for supply to various shops within Tollinton Market. A veterinary specialist accompanying the team confirmed that the poultry was unfit for human consumption. He said that on-the-spot disposal was ensured and the entire operation was conducted under the supervision of senior PFA officials.
He said that selling or preparing meat from diseased birds is a criminal offence. He said that the PFA is carrying out strict monitoring of meat suppliers, warehouses, and poultry vendors operating in and around Tollinton Market.
He added that PFA is actively working to implement a meat handling and delivery system in line with international food safety standards. He has requested the public to report any suspicious activities related to meat supply on the PFA’s 1223 helpline.