PFA foils bid to produce juice from rotten mangoes,Rs.200,000 fine imposed

MUZAFFARGARH, Jul 10 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Friday seized 16,700 kilogram of rotten mangoes during a raid on a juice processing unit on Jatoi Road and imposed a Rs.200,000 fine on the factory administration for violating food safety regulations.

The raid was conducted on the directives of PFA Director General(DG),Syed Musa Raza under the supervision of Director Operations South-I,a spokesperson said.

Officials said the spoiled mangoes were allegedly being processed into mango pulp for the manufacture of juice meant for public consumption.

The inspection team also found rotten fruit mixed with fresh stock in an apparent attempt to conceal its poor quality.

The authority reported multiple hygiene violations at the facility,including the presence of insects and dead flies in the storage area,terming the conditions a serious threat to public health.

The confiscated mangoes were discarded on the spot while the factory was fined Rs.200,000 for breaching food safety standards.

The PFA reiterated that action against food businesses compromising public health would continue without discrimination.

DG Musa Raza urged consumers to opt for freshly prepared homemade juices,saying the authority remained committed to ensuring the supply of safe food across the province.