The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab has launched a province-wide crackdown on overpricing, food adulteration and the sale of substandard food items, imposing fines exceeding Rs7.3 million as part of efforts to protect consumers and ensure food safety.
Over Rs7.3m fines imposed for overpricing, food adulteration on Ombudsman Punjab orders
LAHORE, Jul 20 (APP): The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab has launched a province-wide crackdown on overpricing, food adulteration and the sale of substandard food items, imposing fines exceeding Rs7.3 million as part of efforts to protect consumers and ensure food safety.
A spokesman for the Office of the Punjab Ombudsman said the action was initiated on the directions of the Ombudsman Punjab following inspections and on-site verification carried out across various districts of the province.
Price Control Magistrates and officials of the Punjab Food Authority inspected markets, hotels, restaurants and food outlets, checking the prices and quality of essential commodities, including chicken, fish, meat, milk, eggs, cooking oil, beverages and fried food items.
The inspections uncovered violations of officially notified prices, as well as the sale of adulterated and substandard food products. Authorities also took strict action against hotels and restaurants found maintaining poor hygiene standards or serving unsafe food.
In a related move, fines were imposed on public transport operators for the illegal use of gas cylinders, a practice that poses serious risks to public safety.
The spokesman said the campaign aims to ensure the availability of safe, quality food at fair prices while safeguarding consumers’ rights.
He added that the Ombudsman Punjab has directed the relevant authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against overpricing, food adulteration and other practices that compromise public welfare.
The spokesman said the people have appreciated these prompt and effective measures and thanked the Ombudsman Punjab for immediate resolution of their issues.
