Massive 1.9 Tonne Expired Food Cache Discarded in Punjab

APP

Multan: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has ramped up its efforts to combat the sale of unhygienic and expired food items, recently seizing 1.9 tonnes of such products, along with 210 sachets of banned gutka and 20 litres of substandard milk. A total of Rs 230,000 in fines has been imposed on various violators.

Following directives from Director General Asim Javed, PFA teams conducted comprehensive inspections in Multan and Khanewal, targeting warehouses, grocery stores, restaurants, tea stalls, and paan shops.

During inspections in Fazal Park, Khanewal, and Haveli Koranga, Kabirwala, authorities discovered a large quantity of expired biscuits, spices, substandard beverages, and Chinese salt.

Additional enforcement actions were carried out in locations such as Chowk Nawan Shehr, Gulgasht Colony, Model Town, and near the Arts Council.

Notable violations included a paan shop fined Rs 30,000 for selling banned gutka, while three restaurants collectively faced fines of Rs 90,000 for utilizing expired ingredients, maintaining unhygienic kitchen conditions, and improper food storage.

In one case, a restaurant was penalized for using paintbrushes for oiling food, and a tea stall received a hefty fine for serving low-quality milk.

DG PFA Asim Javed stressed the importance of closely monitoring all stages of food production and distribution. He confirmed that food business operators are receiving training on proper food handling and hygiene practices.

Javed assured the public that strict action will continue against non-compliant businesses to prioritize public health and food safety.