The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) recently launched a massive food safety operation in Kahna and Multan Road areas of Lahore. The operation resulted in the sealing of:
- A warehouse
- A jam-making unit
- Two sections of a famous bakery
The drive was part of an extensive campaign to ensure that food safety standards in Punjab are not being breached.
What the PFA Found
The inspection uncovered shocking quantities of expired and unhygienic food materials, including:
- 44,000 litres of expired soybean oil
- 30,000 kilograms of fungus-infected pickles and preserves
- 400 kilograms of expired flavourings
- 3,385 kilograms of dangerous chemicals
The bakery’s cake section and cold storage were immediately closed due to the use of expired ingredients and poor hygiene practices.
Bigger Crackdown Across Punjab
The Punjab Authority seals bakery in Lahore report is one of a series of food safety sweeps. In others, the PFA teams also:
- Sealed 14 Punjab food points for serious offenses.
- Closed Rahat Bakers in Harbanspura for selling bread past expiration date and improper labelling.
- Closed Day Night Mayonnaise in China Scheme for using dangerous chemicals and starch as a substitute for eggs.
- Sealed food warehouses, restaurants, and milk diary shops for adulteration, insects, and unsafe storage.
These raids were headed by top PFA officials, with DG PFA M Asim Javaid keeping a close eye on major raids in person.
Why This Matters for Everyone
Public Health Risks
Spoilt ingredients and unhygienic food preparation can lead to:
- Serious food poisoning
- Long-term digestive problems
- Dangerous bacterial infections
The PFA warning is explicit—such food will lead to serious stomach and intestinal diseases.
Consumer Trust
Sealing a popular bakery in Lahore instills fear and distrust among customers. Customers want fresh and safe food, not concealed health risks.
Law Enforcement
This move reiterates that PFA will take stern action against any food business that flouts laws, regardless of how popular or renowned they are.
Lessons for Food Businesses
All bakeries, restaurants, and food producers in Punjab can take a lesson from this:
- Verify expiry dates every day and dispose of expired ingredients.
- Enforce rigorous cleanliness in production and storage facilities.
- Mark products accurately with correct manufacturing and expiry dates.
- Employ only approved raw materials from reputable suppliers.
- Train workers in hygiene and PFA compliance regulations.
Role of Public in Food Safety
The PFA urges citizens to report expired or unhygienic food by calling their helpline 1223. This enables them to take swift action against offenders.
FAQs
Why did the Punjab Food Authority seal the bakery in Lahore?
The PFA sealed the bakery after discovering expired soybean oil, fungus-infected pickles, expired flavourings, and poor hygiene practices in its cake section and cold storage.
What other food points were sealed during the crackdown?
Apart from the bakery in Lahore, PFA also sealed Rahat Bakers in Harbanspura, Day Night Mayonnaise in China Scheme, multiple food warehouses, restaurants, and dairy shops for serious food safety violations.
How can the public report unhygienic or expired food?
Citizens can report any food safety violations to the Punjab Food Authority by calling their helpline 1223.
What are the risks of consuming expired or unhygienic food?
Such food can cause food poisoning, bacterial infections, and long-term digestive issues, some of which can be life-threatening.
What should food businesses in Punjab do to avoid such action?
Businesses should regularly check expiry dates, maintain strict cleanliness, label products correctly, use approved ingredients, and follow all PFA guidelines.
