PFA deals four food outlets on M-2, imposes Rs3.5m fines
GUJRANWALA: In one of the largest enforcement drives against food safety violations in recent months, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed four outlets of national food chains, imposed fines amounting to Rs3.5 million and destroyed more than one maund of substandard and prohibited food ingredients during a major crackdown at the M-2 Sukheki Motorway Service Area.
The operation was led by Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister Salma Butt along with Punjab Food Authority Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad. Five well-known food chains were inspected as part of the campaign aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety standards at one of the province’s busiest motorway service areas.
According to the Punjab Food Authority, inspection teams found multiple violations of food hygiene and safety regulations at the inspected outlets. Four national food chain outlets were sealed after authorities detected serious lapses that posed potential risks to public health.
Officials said inspection teams found freezers and washing areas in an unhygienic condition, with stagnant foul-smelling water and poor sanitation. Mandatory supply records, return logs and other essential documentation were either incomplete or unavailable.
Inspectors also reported widespread insect infestation, while food items and raw materials were found stored directly on the floor in violation of food safety protocols.
The authority further noted that bakery products at some outlets were being offered without manufacturing and expiry dates, making it difficult to verify their freshness and safety for consumers. Open drains, poor housekeeping and an overall unhygienic environment were also cited among the violations observed during the inspection.
Besides sealing the outlets, the Punjab Food Authority imposed cumulative fines of Rs3.5 million on the violators. More than one maund of substandard and prohibited food ingredients was confiscated and destroyed on the spot to prevent their use or sale.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Food Authority Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad said the authority was pursuing a province-wide campaign to eliminate food adulteration and fraudulent practices from the food supply chain.
“Our teams are working to block every avenue of food adulteration and fraud across Punjab. Strict monitoring is being carried out from food production to its distribution, and there will be no compromise on quality,” he said.
He added that the authority was implementing a zero-tolerance policy against violators under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
“The sale and distribution of substandard or expired food products will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Enforcement operations will continue to ensure consumers receive safe and hygienic food,” he said.
The Punjab Food Authority has intensified inspections across the province in recent months as part of its ongoing efforts to improve food safety standards and strengthen regulatory enforcement at restaurants, bakeries, food chains and processing units.
