PFA seals 3 food units, discards substandard food items

LAHORE, Jun 13 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has sealed three food units and discarded a large quantity of substandard and expired food items during enforcement operations carried out across different areas of Lahore.

PFA Director General told media on Saturday that PFA enforcement teams conducted raids on five food establishments as part of an ongoing crackdown against the food fraud mafia.

During the operations, 1,200kg of red chilli powder, 720kg of coriander, 80kg of turmeric powder, 90kg of pakoras and other expired food items were confiscated and discarded. The authority also imposed fines amounting to Rs100,000 on two food businesses for violating food safety regulations.

The DG said a spices unit in Akbari Mandi was sealed after its sample failed laboratory analysis. A cash and carry outlet on Canal Road was also sealed for violations of food safety laws, while a water filtration plant in Garhi Shahu was shut down after its water sample failed quality testing. Enforcement action was also taken against a restaurant in Food Street and a water plant in Shimla Pahari, where fines were imposed for non-compliance with food safety standards.

DG PFA Syed Musa Raza said ensuring food safety training and obtaining employees’ medical certificates were mandatory requirements for running a food business in Punjab. He urged food business operators to strictly comply with food safety laws to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to consumers. He said strict action would continue against all individuals and businesses involved in violations of food safety regulations, adding that there would be no compromise on food quality.

He also urged citizens to report food-related complaints through the PFA helpline 1223.