The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) destroyed 5,000 litres of expired syrup, 80 kilograms of substandard red chilli powder, and over one maund of various hazardous and prohibited food items during a crackdown, here on Saturday.
PFA seals three food units, discards large quantity of substandard food items
LAHORE, May 16 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) destroyed 5,000 litres of expired syrup, 80 kilograms of substandard red chilli powder, and over one maund of various hazardous and prohibited food items during a crackdown, here on Saturday.
The PFA also sealed three food points and imposed fines amounting to Rs. 250,000 on three others for violations of food safety regulations.
According to details, under the directions of Punjab Food Authority Director General Syed Musa Raza, inspection teams carried out operations in Bund Road, Shalimar Town and other areas of the city.
DG PFA Syed Musa Raza said that substandard sugar syrup was being used in the preparation of sweets at some units. He said unhygienic conditions were observed in kitchens, where insects were found in abundance and a foul-smelling environment prevailed. He added that dairy and meat products were being stored together in dirty, fungus-infested freezers, posing serious health risks to consumers.
During inspections, officials also found missing records of oil replacement, while medical certificates and training documents of food handlers were not available. Expiry and manufacturing dates were not properly displayed on raw and prepared food items.
He further noted that smoking was observed in processing areas and unfiltered water was being used during food preparation.
DG Syed Musa Raza said that operations against food adulteration would continue without any leniency, stressing that strict action would be taken against those compromising public health.
