PFA discards 3,000kg substandard meat ahead of Eid

LAHORE, Mar 20 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) destroyed over 3,000 kilograms of substandard, stale and fungus-infected chicken and meat and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 during a raid on a cold storage facility on Multan Road ahead of Eid, here on Friday.

The operation was carried out under a zero-tolerance policy directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif against unsafe food, with PFA DG Muhammad Asim Javaid leading teams on the ground. The DG said expired frozen meat intended for Eid supply was recovered from the cold store and immediately discarded.

During inspection, the meat was found unfit for human consumption, while mandatory labeling on stored boneless meat was missing. Expired and fresh meat had been kept together to conceal spoilage in violation of food safety laws. Authorities also found absence of essential temperature records and forward and backward traceability documentation.

The DG warned that strict legal action, including registration of cases and closure of businesses, would be taken against those involved in adulteration and sale of hazardous food. He directed food business operators to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

He added that food safety teams would continue operations throughout Eid holidays, with inspections being carried out in three shifts to ensure availability of safe food for the public.