PFA discards 5maunds fungus-infected pickles

MULTAN, May 18 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) launched a major crackdown against food adulteration and counterfeit food businesses in Kabirwala, Farid Kot Jahanian Bypass and Wajhianwala, seizing fake bottled water, spoiled food items and substandard ingredients during multiple raids.

The operations were carried out on the directions of Director General PFA Syed Musa Raza as part of the authority’s ongoing campaign against health-hazardous food businesses.

According to the PFA spokesperson, food safety teams inspected two food production units in 5-Kassi Kabirwala and Farid Kot Jahanian Bypass. A papad manufacturing factory was fined Rs200,000 after officials discovered insects in raw materials and the use of unsafe water during production. The team also found chemical drums being used for oil storage and poor drainage arrangements at the facility.

In another raid, a pickle and murabba production unit was fined Rs50,000 for using China salt and rotten mangoes in the preparation of food products. During the operation, officials discarded five maunds of fungus-infected pickles, four maunds of rotten mangoes and 55 kilograms of substandard ingredients.

Meanwhile, the PFA team raided an illegal water bottle plant in Wajhianwala and exposed the preparation of counterfeit bottled water being packed under the name of a well-known brand. The team seized 1,200 litres of fake bottled water along with four kilograms of packing material.

The illegal unit was sealed, production was shut down and an FIR was lodged against the owner at the relevant police station for operating without a licence and violating food safety laws.

Speaking on the occasion, DG Food Authority Syed Musa Raza said strict monitoring of food production and supply chains was being ensured.

He said that strict legal action would be taken against food production units over violating food safety rules.