LAHORE : The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Saturday sealed a renowned sweets production unit, imposed fines worth Rs282,000 on seven food outlets and discarded 100 kilograms of fungus-infected murabba along with a large quantity of prohibited items and mayonnaise during inspections of Ramazan Nigehban Dastarkhwan points in Lahore.
Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, PFA Director General M Asim Javaid visited Dastarkhwan sites at Mian Mir, Children’s Hospital and Liberty Chowk, where he reviewed arrangements for preparation, storage and distribution of food for iftar.
A total of 38 iftar points and food units were inspected as part of the ongoing Ramazan Nigehban drive to ensure the provision of safe and hygienic meals to citizens during the holy month.
According to a spokesperson, the sealed sweets unit was found violating food safety regulations.
Several outlets were fined over poor sanitation conditions, while inspection teams also detected insect infestation and the use of tap water in food preparation at certain units.
In some cases, food handlers were found without complete training and valid medical certificates.
M Asim Javaid said that under the chief minister’s special instructions, food safety teams were maintaining strict monitoring of the entire process, from cooking to distribution, at all Dastarkhwan points.
He added that screening and food safety training of Dastarkhwan administrations had been completed in all districts of Punjab to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
He said that food safety teams were working in three shifts round-the-clock during Ramazan, while senior officers were personally supervising field operations to guarantee the supply of quality food to the public.
He warned that any food point found violating the Pure Food Regulations would be sealed without discrimination, reiterating the authority’s commitment to upholding the chief minister’s promise of safe food for all.
