Lahore’s food safety authorities have intensified their efforts to ensure hygiene and quality standards in food production and service. In a recent operation led by DG Food Authority Asim Javed, strict action was taken against a ketchup manufacturing unit in Shalimar Town and a well-known fast-food restaurant in Iqbal Town for severe violations of food safety regulations.
Major Violations Uncovered
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted inspections at multiple locations, revealing serious breaches in hygiene and safety standards. The most alarming discovery was at a ketchup production unit in Shalimar Town, where expired ingredients and improper storage methods were found. Asim Javed stated that a large quantity of expired ketchup and mayonnaise was confiscated and immediately destroyed to prevent its circulation in the market.
At a renowned fast-food outlet in Iqbal Town, the inspection team found poor cleaning arrangements, putting public health at risk. The kitchen and storage areas were in an unsanitary condition, violating food safety protocols.
Lack of Employee Training and Record-Keeping
During the inspection, officials noted that essential documentation was missing at both locations. Key concerns included:
- Absence of medical training certificates for employees handling food.
- Poor storage practices, with mayonnaise stored in uncovered plastic tubs, increasing contamination risks.
- Lack of proper records regarding the sourcing and expiration dates of ingredients.
As a result, authorities imposed fines exceeding 200,000 rupees on the owners of these establishments, warning them of stricter penalties for future violations.
Public Health at Risk
The presence of expired and improperly stored food products raises serious health concerns. Consumption of such products can lead to food poisoning, bacterial infections, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. The Punjab Food Authority emphasized that food business operators (FBOs) must follow strict hygiene practices and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Food Safety
The Punjab Food Authority has been actively conducting surprise inspections to regulate food quality across Lahore and other cities. Recent efforts include:
- Sealing unhygienic food production units.
- Imposing heavy fines on violators.
- Raising awareness about food safety practices among restaurant owners and manufacturers.
Asim Javed reaffirmed that strict legal action would be taken against those endangering public health by compromising on hygiene and food safety standards.
Consumer Awareness and Reporting
The Food Authority has urged citizens to report any suspected food safety violations. Consumers can:
- Check expiration dates before purchasing packaged food.
- Observe cleanliness at restaurants and food stalls.
- Report complaints to the Punjab Food Authority via their helpline or online platforms.
Ensuring food safety is a collective responsibility, requiring strict regulatory enforcement and public vigilance. The recent crackdown on unhygienic food production and service units highlights the need for continuous monitoring and compliance with health standards. The Punjab Food Authority remains committed to taking swift action against those violating food safety regulations to protect consumers from harmful and substandard food products.
