The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has taken strict action against food safety violations in Lahore, sealing a warehouse, a jam production unit, and two sections of a well-known bakery. The operation, conducted in the Kahna and Multan Road areas, resulted in fines totaling Rs. 2.7 million imposed on four food business operators.
Large Quantities of Expired and Contaminated Products Destroyed
During the operation, PFA teams led by Director General M Asim Javaid discovered massive quantities of expired and contaminated food items. These included:
44,000 litres of expired soybean oil.
30,000 kilograms of pickles and preserves contaminated with fungus.
400 kilograms of expired flavorings.
3,385 kilograms of chemical substances used in production.
All these unsafe items were immediately destroyed on-site to prevent them from reaching consumers.
Bakery Sections Closed Over Food Safety Violations
The PFA also sealed the cake section and cold storage of the bakery. According to inspectors, the violations included:
The use of expired ingredients in baked goods.
Poor hygiene and cleanliness standards in preparation areas.
Storage of raw materials in unsanitary conditions.
These breaches of food safety laws raised concerns about the quality of products being sold to the public.
Pickles and Jam Made from Spoiled Ingredients
The PFA chief revealed shocking details about one of the sealed units. Inspectors found that:
Pickles and jam were being produced from spoiled fruits and vegetables.
Expired and low-quality products were being repackaged in attractive branding to mislead customers.
Workers were operating in facilities that gave off foul odors and had visible dirt buildup.
This deliberate use of unsafe ingredients poses a major threat to public health, according to the PFA.
Health Risks and PFA’s Warning to Businesses
Director General M Asim Javaid issued a strong warning to food businesses, emphasizing that the use of unsafe, expired, or contaminated ingredients can cause serious stomach and intestinal illnesses.
“We will not tolerate any compromise on public health. Businesses caught violating food safety standards will face strict penalties, including sealing and heavy fines,” said the DG.
He stressed that the PFA will continue to carry out planned inspections as well as surprise raids to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Citizens Urged to Report Food Safety Violations
To strengthen enforcement efforts, the PFA has encouraged citizens to report any suspicious food practices or cases of adulteration. Complaints can be lodged by calling the PFA helpline at 1223.
This public involvement is considered a key part of ensuring that unsafe products do not end up in the market and that food businesses maintain proper standards.
A Reminder for All Food Businesses
The sealing of the bakery serves as a wake-up call for food manufacturers, restaurants, and bakeries across Punjab. The PFA’s actions underline the following points:
Strict compliance with food safety laws is mandatory.
Businesses should routinely check expiration dates and discard expired items.
Cleanliness and hygiene must be maintained in all production and storage areas.
Transparency in labeling and packaging is essential to maintain consumer trust.
The incident also highlights the PFA’s zero-tolerance policy toward negligence in food production and sales.
Final Word
The recent crackdown by the Punjab Food Authority shows the government’s commitment to protecting public health from unsafe food practices. While some businesses continue to prioritize profits over safety, the PFA’s increasing vigilance — coupled with active public reporting — offers hope for safer, healthier food options for everyone in Punjab.
For now, the sealed bakery and other penalized units serve as a clear example: compromising on quality will not go unnoticed, and the consequences will be severe.
Hi, I’m Zaheer Shah, a contributor and reporter at TezzLive.com. I have a strong passion for storytelling and believe that accurate, timely news can make a real difference in people’s lives. My work focuses on delivering reliable updates, in-depth analysis, and human-interest stories that connect with our readers.