PFA imposes fines on several Food Business Operators in Lahore

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has halted the production of a food establishment and imposed fines totalling Rs283,000 on 10 food business operators (FBOs). In addition, 2,000 litres of substandard milk and other inferior-quality edibles were discarded.

The action was initiated by PFA’s watchdogs, following the directives of PFA DG Asim Javaid. The inspection took place in various locations, including Gawalmandi and city area, where milk carrier vehicles, sweet shops, and restaurants were scrutinised.

The dairy and food safety teams, operating throughout the day, discovered issues leading to the intervention. A sweets unit faced a production halt with the imposition of an emergency prohibition order (EPO) until further notice.

Asim Javaid, PFA DG, highlighted the findings of the raid, including poor cleanliness arrangements, the presence of expired food items, and tampered MRDs on food products.

Fines were levied on a candied fruit production unit and eateries for improper food preservation in rusty drums, failure to provide necessary records to the raiding teams, and violations of the Punjab Pure Food Regulations. Additionally, seven food outlets were warned to enhance their hygienic conditions.

Dairy safety teams, operating in Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, inspected 67 milk carrier vehicles carrying over 100,000 liters of milk.

Substandard milk, amounting to 2,000 liters, was disposed of due to contamination from polluted water, low fat levels, and a lack of nutritional values as confirmed by lactoscan tests.

Furthermore, the authority discarded 400kg of substandard sweets, 370kg of rotten candied fruit, 378kg of raw food, and a substantial quantity of oil.

Emphasising PFA’s commitment to providing healthy food ‘From Farm to Fork,’ Asim Javaid declared that this isn’t just a slogan but the top priority of the authority.

He affirmed the continuation of indiscriminate actions against counterfeiters and adulterators until complete elimination from Punjab. Citizens were encouraged to report any instances of adulteration by contacting PFA on its 1223 helpline.

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