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LAHORE, Jul 02 (APP):Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has reported a historic surge in enforcement activities during the fiscal year 2024–25, achieving major milestones in food safety under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for a healthy Punjab.
Despite limited resources, PFA teams operated actively throughout the year under the leadership of Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid, ensuring strict compliance with food safety regulations across the province.
According to official data, 1,235,741 inspections were conducted during the year. As a result, 119,285 food outlets were fined, with total penalties amounting to Rs1.52 billion, reflecting a 164 percent increase over the previous year. Moreover, 3,300 food premises were sealed, and 1,344 FIRs were registered for violations of food safety laws. A total of 18,937 food samples were collected and sent to laboratories for quality and safety testing.
The PFA DG noted a significant increase in the confiscation and safe disposal of hazardous food items. These included 142,114 litres of substandard oil, 117,775 litres of unsafe bottled water and beverages, and 686,000 kilograms of unfit meat, reflecting an 89.13 percent increase from last year. Additionally, 1.62 million litres of adulterated milk and 55,974 kilograms of substandard spices were also discarded during operations.
Alongside enforcement, PFA placed strong emphasis on public education and food safety awareness. More than 450,000 food handlers were trained across Punjab. The authority also organized 1,884 seminars and awareness camps, reaching 197,447 individuals, including 25,624 Hajj pilgrims, to promote hygiene and nutritional practices.
In its efforts to improve women and child health, PFA launched the “Eat Safe Women” campaign and expanded its broader “Eat Safe” initiative. Under the newly launched School Nutrition Program, 10,786 schoolchildren received free, healthy lunchboxes for a two-month period.
DG Asim Javaid also announced the upcoming “Kheelta Punjab Nutrition Program” and a strengthened “Eat Safe Kids” initiative, both designed to address childhood nutrition and promote healthier dietary habits among youth.
He urged citizens to play an active role in the fight against food adulteration by reporting violations via the PFA helpline 1223. “Public support is essential in ensuring the availability of safe, pure, and hygienic food across Punjab,” he added.