LAHORE, Sep 28 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Monday shut down nine water filtration plants over the presence of harmful bacteria and violations of food safety regulations,while imposing fines totaling Rs.236,000 on 18 food and water units. Acting on the directives of PFA Director General(DG),Mansoor Ahmed,food safety teams conducted inspections in various areas of Lahore,including Thokar Niaz Baig,Mohlanwal,Raiwind Road and Johar Town. According to the PFA,the action was taken …
PFA shuts nine water filtration plants over bacterial contamination
LAHORE, Sep 28 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Monday shut down nine water filtration plants over the presence of harmful bacteria and violations of food safety regulations,while imposing fines totaling Rs.236,000 on 18 food and water units.
Acting on the directives of PFA Director General(DG),Mansoor Ahmed,food safety teams conducted inspections in various areas of Lahore,including Thokar Niaz Baig,Mohlanwal,Raiwind Road and Johar Town.
According to the PFA,the action was taken after water samples collected from filtration plants failed quality tests.
PFA DG Mansoor Ahmed said laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria in the water samples,while the inspected units were also found failing to meet prescribed food safety standards relating to water quality.
He said some units did not maintain records of timely filter replacement and other mandatory documentation. Medical and training certificates of food handlers were also found incomplete at several units.
The inspection teams also found poor sanitary conditions at various food outlets,including dirty and rusty freezers, foul-smelling premises,damaged flooring,unclean walls and cobwebs.
Mansoor said that the sale of substandard food and contaminated water would not be tolerated,adding that ensuring the provision of safe and quality food was among the authority’s top priorities in line with the vision of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
He said inspections of water filtration plants and collection of water samples were continuing across the province, while legal action was being taken against units found violating food safety regulations
