PFA shuts down filtration plant, fines juice factory over hygiene violations

LAHORE, Sep 06 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) shut down a prominent water filtration plant and imposed a heavy fine on a well-known juice factory after finding serious food safety and hygiene violations during inspections conducted on Multan Road and Minhaj-ul-Quran Road here on Sunday.

The action was taken on the directions of PFA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmed during operations at water and juice production facilities. The water filtration plant was ordered to stop production after its water sample failed laboratory testing. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in the water, which, according to the PFA DG, could pose health risks and potentially affect the human immune system.

The PFA also imposed a heavy fine on a prominent juice factory for violating previously issued instructions. Inspection teams found no temperature monitoring system in the pulp storage area, while paint was peeling from the walls.

The factory was also found lacking essential records and required documentation. Poor sanitation arrangements were observed in the production area, where stagnant water was also found.

DG Raja Mansoor Ahmed said the provision of safe and quality food to the public was the foremost priority of the Punjab Food Authority. He said scheduled as well as surprise sampling of water filtration plants was being conducted across Punjab to ensure compliance with food safety standards. He said strict and indiscriminate action would continue against establishments violating hygiene regulations. “Negligence in the preparation, transportation and storage of food will not be tolerated,” the DG said.

He added that the ongoing enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring safe and quality food and drinking water for citizens in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a healthy Punjab.