PFA imposes Rs200,000 fine, gets FIR lodged over adulteration

LAHORE, Jul 23 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) imposed fines of Rs200,000 and seized large quantities of adulterated food items during a major enforcement operation on Kasur and Raiwind Roads, here on Wednesday.
The crackdown was conducted on the directions of PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid and led by the Additional Director Lahore.
On Kasur Road, food safety teams inspected five food outlets and imposed penalties for violations of food safety laws. Meanwhile, on Raiwind Road, an FIR was lodged against a dairy unit under four sections of food safety legislation. The unit was found preparing 2,000 litres of adulterated milk using powdered ingredients and ghee. Authorities confiscated a supply vehicle, 41 oil tins, 21 sacks of powder, along with chillers, drums, pumps, and gas cylinders from the site.
In another raid, PFA officials discarded 130 kilograms of fungus-infected dried coriander, 60 kilograms of spoiled curry leaves, and 20 kilograms of unfit packaging material from a spice manufacturing unit.
PFA DG Muhammad Asim Javaid said the spice unit was heavily fined for producing and packaging substandard items in unsanitary conditions, lacking staff medical records and training certificates. Despite repeated warnings, the unit failed to address insect infestations and foul odours in the production area.
He warned that the adulterated food items were intended for markets in Lahore and nearby areas, posing serious health risks. The DG said the PFA is committed to eliminating food adulteration in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Citizens are advised to check expiry and manufacturing dates when purchasing food and to report any violations to the PFA helpline at 1223.