PFA shuts down motorway eateries for selling expired food and poor hygiene

WEB DESK: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams conducted inspections at 884 food outlets on Tuesday, targeting various eateries at motorway service areas across the province to ensure healthy and quality food for commuters, according to The Express Tribune.

The teams visited cafes, restaurants, tuck shops, and other food outlets to check food quality and hygiene. They closely examined production areas, kitchens, and other sections of these establishments.

As a result of the inspections, five well-known restaurants were shut down. In addition, 132 food business operators (FBOs) were fined a total of Rs2.575 million, while warning notices were issued to 682 others for improvement. Authorities also seized 40 litres of substandard edible oil, seven mounds of expired snacks, and a significant amount of beverages.

PFA Director General, Muhammad Asim Javaid, explained that the closures were due to the display of expired cold drinks, snacks, and other items for sale. He added that many FBOs were unable to provide necessary documentation and failed to maintain hygienic conditions.

Fines were issued for violations of the Punjab Pure Food Regulations, and warning notices were handed out, instructing outlets to improve hygiene standards and address minor issues. The inspections aimed to ensure that food served to passengers met cleanliness and safety standards in line with these regulations.

The PFA is also inspecting food outlets on GT Road, bus terminals, railway stations, and motorway service areas, following directives from the Chief Minister. Food items sold at these locations must be approved by the PFA.

Javaid further directed FBOs to source food products only from suppliers licensed by the PFA and warned that the authority’s crackdown on counterfeit and adulterated food will continue.

He urged eateries along M1, M2, and M3 motorways to improve food quality, warning that strict action would be taken against violators. He also encouraged commuters to check food quality before purchasing and report any issues to the PFA helpline.

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