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LAHORE, Oct 03 (APP): Over Rs. 3.266 million in fines have been imposed across various districts of Punjab during a province-wide crackdown on profiteering and the sale of substandard food items, following directives from the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab.
A spokesperson for the Ombudsman’s Office said the action was initiated in response to public complaints. Acting on these, joint inspection teams comprising Price Control Magistrates and officials from the Punjab Food Authority conducted surprise visits in multiple areas.
The teams inspected the quality and pricing of essential food items including chicken, fish, meat, milk, eggs, cooking oil, beverages and fried foods. Violations were detected at several locations, where overpricing and the sale of unhygienic or low-quality food items were reported. As a result, penalties totaling Rs3.266 million were imposed on violators.
In addition to profiteering, numerous restaurants and hotels were fined for poor hygiene standards and for serving unsafe food. Some premises were found operating in unsanitary conditions, prompting further action from the authorities.
The Ombudsman’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality food items at government-approved prices. It stressed that a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration, overpricing and poor sanitation would be strictly enforced across the province.