Punjab Food Authority destroys 1,200kg of unsafe meat headed for Rawalpindi markets

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has seized and destroyed 1,200 kilograms of unsafe meat that was allegedly being transported for distribution in Rawalpindi, in what officials described as part of an ongoing crackdown on food safety violations across the province.

The operation was carried out near the Thalian Motorway Toll Plaza, where PFA teams set up a checkpoint and stopped a vehicle suspected of transporting meat under questionable conditions.

According to a PFA spokesperson, the meat had been brought from the Sargodha-Jhang Road area and was destined for supply within Rawalpindi city. During the inspection, a veterinary doctor examined the consignment and declared it unfit for human consumption.

Following the assessment, authorities destroyed the entire 1,200kg shipment on the spot to prevent it from entering the food supply chain.

Officials said the meat had been concealed inside the vehicle, which was subsequently taken into custody by police. One person was arrested during the operation.

A case has been registered on the complaint of the Punjab Food Authority, and legal proceedings are underway against those involved, the spokesperson added.

The authority said enforcement teams are continuing province-wide operations against the transportation and sale of substandard meat, warning that strict action will be taken against individuals found compromising public health.

The PFA also urged citizens to report food safety concerns through its helpline, 1223, to help authorities identify and act against violations.