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LAHORE, Jan 07 (APP):Strict enforcement of meat safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) is underway at Tollinton Market as the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has warned that businesses failing to comply by January 10 will be sealed, cases registered, and heavy fines imposed.
The action is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Adulteration-Free, Healthy Punjab Mission”, under which the PFA has ensured full implementation of its newly issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Tollinton Market.
Director General Punjab Food Authority Asim Javaid personally visited every meat shop in the market, issuing on-the-spot instructions and directing shop owners to prominently display official SOP guidelines. He said that 300 meat handlers have been provided food safety training and medical screening to ensure hygienic handling practices.
To maintain continuous monitoring, DG PFA stated that two inspection teams will operate in the early morning, one in the afternoon, and one at night, ensuring round-the-clock checks by the Meat Safety Task Force.
During inspections alongside the Meat Safety Task Force, DG Asim checked poultry transport vehicles. A total of 80,000 kilograms of chickens were inspected, while 5,500 kilograms of dead and emaciated poultry were discarded on the spot.
He said that modern meat SOPs, aligned with international standards, have been introduced to ensure proper slaughtering, storage, and legal compliance. These SOPs have been displayed at all warehouses and shops in Tollinton Market.
He further said that chicken sellers are required to undergo a medical examination at least once a year under Punjab Food Authority laws.
Sharing performance figures, DG PFA said that 99,480 meat shops, processing units, warehouses, and suppliers were inspected across Punjab last year. As a result, 532 cases were registered, 325 units and shops were sealed, and over 10,675 outlets were fined more than Rs100 million. Additionally, over 24.7 million kilograms of meat were checked, and more than 1.1 million kilograms of substandard meat were discarded.
DG Asim added that PFA teams are inspecting Tollinton Market in three shifts daily and that a comprehensive code of conduct has been prepared for both vendors and consumers.
“In line with the directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, all possible measures are being taken to ensure the highest quality of meat at Tollinton Market,” he said, warning suppliers to mend their ways, as PFA teams remain fully active to take strict action against violations.