PFA Shuts Down 282 Food Points, Imposes Heavy Fines

In a significant crackdown on food safety violations, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has taken decisive action by shutting down 282 food points across the province. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to ensure that the people of Punjab have access to safe and hygienic food. During September 2024, the PFA imposed a staggering cumulative fine of Rs. 116.3 million on 10,068 eateries for various infractions, highlighting the authority's commitment to maintaining food safety standards.

The PFA's monthly performance report reveals that the authority's meat and food safety teams conducted inspections at over 92,822 food points, including production units. This extensive effort is aimed at ensuring that food is safe from the farm to the fork. The inspections covered various divisions, with Lahore division seeing 18,600 food points checked, followed by Faisalabad with 15,438, and Gujranwala with 12,714, among others.

In addition to shutting down food points, the PFA has also taken legal action against 88 food business operators (FBOs) by lodging FIRs for serious offenses such as adulteration and counterfeiting. This reflects the authority's zero-tolerance policy towards those who deceive consumers and compromise food safety. PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that the use of prohibited and non-food grade ingredients in food preparation is a serious offense.

Moreover, the PFA's dairy safety teams inspected 36,784 milk-carrying vehicles and 12,337 milk shops, examining a total of 30.15 million litres of milk. Alarmingly, 186,161 litres of adulterated milk were disposed of due to contamination with harmful chemicals and low levels of natural fat. The authority also discarded 24,743 kg of unhygienic meat during its inspections, further underscoring the need for stringent food safety regulations.

In a proactive approach, the PFA issued food licenses to 3,991 newly registered FBOs within the same month, promoting compliance with food safety standards. The enforcement teams collected 1,160 food samples for laboratory testing, ensuring that food products meet the required safety criteria. The PFA's actions are not just about penalties; they are about fostering a culture of food safety and hygiene across Punjab.

As the PFA continues its efforts to create a 'Healthy Punjab,' it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about the food they consume. The authority provides guidelines and principles for FBOs on its website, making it easier for the public to understand food safety regulations. With surprise checks being conducted at various food points, including lorry stands and railway stations, the message is clear: there is no place for counterfeiters in Punjab, and the PFA is determined to eradicate illicit food businesses.

The PFA's recent actions serve as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the role of regulatory bodies in protecting public health. As consumers, it is our responsibility to be aware of the quality of the food we purchase and to support initiatives that promote safe and healthy eating practices. Together, we can contribute to a healthier future for Punjab.