PFA seals unit, fines 11 outlets Rs250,000 in crackdown

LAHORE, Mar 24 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Tuesday sealed one food unit, lodged an FIR, and imposed fines amounting to Rs250,000 on 11 eateries during a major crackdown in different areas of the provincial capital.
Acting on the directions of Director General PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid and instructions of the Punjab government, PFA enforcement teams conducted inspections in Samanabad, Liaquat Chowk and Civic Center, examining a total of 24 restaurants and confectionery units.
During the operation, production at one unit was halted over serious violations, while multiple outlets were penalized.
Food safety teams discarded more than two maunds of substandard food items and used cooking oil. Inspectors reported poor hygiene conditions, including storage of food in foul-smelling and fungus-affected freezers, as well as the presence of contaminated water on broken floors.
DG PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid said the inspections revealed food being prepared under unhygienic conditions, with the use of reused cooking oil in clear violation of food safety regulations.
He further noted that mandatory documentation, such as purchase records and oil change logs, was missing at several outlets.
He emphasized that food handlers must possess valid medical certificates and undergo food safety training, directing all food business operators to strictly adhere to PFA regulations to ensure the provision of safe and quality food.
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy, the DG said strict action would continue against violators of food laws. He also urged citizens to support the authority in curbing adulteration and report complaints via the PFA helpline 1223.