PFA disposes of more than 0.6 million bottles of so-called energy drinks, discards 185,767kg loose spices


The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) is doing work day and night with full efforts in order to ensure the implementation of the new regulations concerning the sale of loose spices and so-called energy drinks.

The enforcement teams of the competent authority removed 185,767 kilograms loose spices and over 600,000 bottles of energy drinks so far. According to details, PFA has visited 574 places in Lahore Zone, 723 sites in Rawalpindi Zone and 660 sites in South Punjab for ensuring the sale of spices in packing foam.

Apart from that, PFA disposed of 9,840 litres caffeinated drinks of national and international brands that usually manufactured with the help of pharmaceutical ingredients. PFA Director General Captain (R) Muhammad Usman said that drinks were disposed of for not removing word “energy” and violating the labelling law of PFA. He said that the purpose of the new regulations was to ensure the delivery and availability of safe food in the market. He has revealed that more than 40 percent food business operators are following the law and selling spices in packing. PFA will not accept the apology of the violators because the competent authority has been informed them about the new laws/ regulations at several times. He said that there is a dire need to work the food industry in collaboration with PFA for improving the food standards in Punjab. PFA will implement regulations to ensure full compliance with the law in Punjab, he added.

In April 2018, the provincial food regulatory body had imposed a ban to write word “Energy” for caffeinated drinks that contained pharmaceutical ingredients. The PFA had also directed manufacturers and suppliers that if caffeine content is more than 100 ppm it must be declared on label as “Highly caffeinated Drink”. Similarly, PFA had given of 18 months business adjustment time to spice industry in order to meet the standards that completed on December 31, 2018. DG said that it was compulsory for spice manufactures to mention the details of ingredients, weight, expiry and manufacturing dates, company name, supplier name and address on packing.


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