The Punjab Food Authority has unearthed two food businesses producing adulterated food products in the densely populated areas of the provincial metropolis here on Sunday.
The raids were conducted under its Director General Captain (R) Muhammad Usman in the area of Badami Bagh and Taj Bagh after getting information from PFA vigilance cell. The authority has confiscated more than 35,600 kilograms unwholesome food products.
Muhammad Usman said that provincial food regulatory body shut down Abdullah Grinding Unit on account of adulteration in Badami Bagh. He said that spices were being prepared on the surface of the earth by missing bran (choker), sawdust and loose non-food grade colour in it. While substandard spices supplied in the adjacent areas of Lahore without packing foam and labeling which is a violation of Punjab Pure Food Regulations. He informed that PFA sized 19,000 kilograms red chili, 17,000 kilograms turmeric and a huge quantity of raw material from the spot. The authority also collected samples of spices and sent for laboratory test for further examination, he added.
In Taj Bagh area, PFA raided Bukhari Muraba (Jam) factory and sealed it by confiscating 350kg rotten fruits, 200kg sugar syrup, 50kg harmful chemicals, 20kg textile colours, and non-food grade drums. Muhammad Usman said that enforcement team also witnessed an abundance of mosquitos and flies in the blue drums which were being used for storing of jam. He said that it is compulsory for food business operators to follow the law which set by PFA.
DG said that Punjab Food Authority is doing work under the zero-tolerance policy against food adulterators in Punjab on the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar. He vowed that PFA will control the food-related issues and eliminate the adulteration mafia from Punjab as soon. He further said that anybody including food business operators can get the complete guidelines for running a good food business through PFA’s website and its Facebook page.