PFA seals water plant, spices unit

LAHORE, Jun 09 (APP): Enforcement teams of Punjab Food Authority on the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority Syed Musa Raza, continued operations against the adulteration mafia in various areas of Lahore under a zero-tolerance policy. During the inspections, five food units, restaurants and a water filtration plant were checked. A water plant and a spices unit were sealed, while fines worth Rs130,000 were imposed on three food businesses.

Food safety teams discarded a large quantity of prohibited China salt and other substandard food items during the operations. A spices unit located in Akbari Mandi was sealed after its food sample failed laboratory analysis. Similarly, a water filtration plant in Shah Alam Market was shut down after the water sample failed quality testing. Laboratory findings confirmed the presence of coliform bacteria in the water, rendering it unsafe for human consumption.

DG PFA Syed Musa Raza said that teams observed that food businesses were operating in violation of the Punjab Pure Food Regulations. Restaurants were found with poor sanitation arrangements, fungus-infested walls and foul environmental conditions. Mandatory records, including employees’ medical and training certificates as well as supply records, were not available at the premises.

He said that teams also reported a heavy presence of insects, flies and spider webs in processing areas, reflecting severe non-compliance with hygiene standards. Enforcement actions were taken in accordance with the law to safeguard consumer health.

He said that food safety teams are conducting challenging operations from early morning until late at night to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to the public. He further stated that every tactic employed by the food fraud mafia is being effectively countered through strict vigilance and continuous enforcement.