LAHORE: The
Punjab Food Authority (PAF), with its enforcement teams, took action across the city of Rawalpindi on Tuesday, which resulted in the shutting down of four food outlets and the confiscation of a large amount of adulterated and substandard flour products.
Following the governor’s orders, Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Food, joined the PFA teams during the inspection at Ratta Amral, Ganjmandi, and along Jamia Masjid Road.
The teams seized 3,700 kilograms of adulterated besan, 1,000 kilograms of wheat flour, and 980 kilograms of fine flour that did not meet the required standards from food points and production facilities.
According to PFA, two of the places that were found to be involved in adulteration were charged with criminal cases. Moreover, the Inspector reported extremely unhygienic conditions with the presence of live and dead rats in some areas.
The PFA imposed a fine amounting to Rs. 200,000 and instantly placed four locations under sanctions for uncleanliness, mixing, and inferior products as the reason.
Salma Butt commented that the provincial government would never accept actions that might harm people’s health. She added that adulteration thwarts the law and endangers lives; thus, strict measures will be taken.
Besides that, she also said that the head of the state has given clear directions that no food quality inspections will be made across the province. The PFA is determined to prosecute anyone who is involved in the production or sale of adulterated or substandard food, regardless of their power or position. As a last resort, Salma Butt asked the public to report wrongdoings through the PFA helpline number 1223.