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LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) recently conducted a massive inspection operation, targeting 884 food outlets across the province, particularly those located in motorway service areas.
The aim was to ensure that commuters have access to healthy and quality food. Inspection teams visited various eateries, including cafes, restaurants, and tuck shops, to scrutinize food quality and hygiene standards.
During the inspections, the teams thoroughly examined these establishments’ production areas, kitchens, and other sections. Unfortunately, five well-known restaurants were shut down due to non-compliance with food safety regulations.
Additionally, 132 food business operators were fined Rs2.575 million, while 682 others received warning notices to improve their standards.
The inspections also led to the seizure of substandard food items, including 40 litres of edible oil, seven mounds of expired snacks, and a significant quantity of beverages.
According to PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid, the closures were primarily due to the display of expired products and food business operators (FBOs) failure to provide necessary documentation and maintain hygienic conditions.
The fines and warning notices were issued for violations of the Punjab Pure Food Regulations. The PFA is committed to ensuring that food served to passengers meets cleanliness and safety standards.
In line with directives from the Chief Minister, the authority is also inspecting food outlets at GT Road, bus terminals, railway stations, and motorway service areas.
Javaid emphasized that food items sold at these locations must be approved by the PFA. He directed FBOs to source products only from suppliers licensed by the PFA and warned of continued crackdowns on counterfeit and adulterated food.
The PFA also urged commuters to check food quality before purchasing and report any issues to their helpline. Eateries along M1, M2, and M3 motorways were specifically warned to improve food quality, with strict action promised against violators.
These strict measures come in light of an incident in which five family members passed away after drinking expired juice bought from Motorway food enterprises.
Earlier, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) carried out an inspection of food points along the Motorway from Lahore to Faisalabad to ensure the provision of healthy and quality food to commuters.
The teams closed down 10 famous food points, punished 63 eateries with an Rs1.8 million cumulative fine, and issued warning notices for improvement to 25 others.
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