Punjab Food Authority Seals 47 Units, Imposes Heavy Fines in September Crackdown

FAISALABAD: 6 Oct (Digital Itla)---- Acting on the directives of the Director General of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), food safety teams conducted a massive statewide crackdown during the month of September, resulting in the closure of 47 food manufacturing and processing units.

According to details shared by the PFA spokesperson, surveillance teams inspected 8,652 food points across the region. Violations of health and safety standards led to 137 food samples being collected for laboratory testing, the registration of 12 formal police cases, and fines exceeding PKR 1.18 million imposed on 811 defaulting businesses.

During the operations, authorities confiscated and destroyed massive quantities of substandard and unhygienic eatables. These included 1,435 kilograms of meat, 1,000 kilograms of fruit pulp, 2,026 kilograms of fruit, 161 kilograms of ketchup, 170 kilograms of ghee, 240 kilograms of spices, over six maunds of milk, alongside prohibited ingredients and expired beverages.

DG Food Authority Mansoor Ahmed stated that heavy penalties were slapped for non-compliance with prior safety notices, while criminal cases were registered against individuals involved in adulteration rackets. Inspections revealed critical lapses, including the absence of mandatory medical and training certificates for employees, severe cleanliness issues in processing areas, and rampant infestations of rodents and insects.

Officials further noted that premises suffered from foul odors, inadequate washing arrangements, open drainage systems, rusted machinery, and filthy floors. Reaffirming the PFA's strict stance, the Director General emphasized that the authority remains fully committed to ensuring the supply of safe food, cracking down on the adulteration mafia, and showing zero tolerance for elements playing with public health.