Authorities impose Rs35 million in fines over hygiene and food safety violations
LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has launched a large-scale enforcement operation against several well-known fast-food chains, including KFC and Hardee’s, at the Sukheki Interchange on the M-2 Motorway, sealing four outlets and imposing fines totaling Rs35 million over alleged food safety and hygiene violations.
The inspection campaign targeted five restaurants operating at the motorway service area in Hafizabad. Officials also destroyed more than one maund, or approximately 40 kilograms, of substandard and prohibited food items that were deemed unfit for consumption.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Punjab Chief Minister’s Special Assistant for Food Safety Salma Butt and Punjab Food Authority Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmed as part of the authority’s province-wide campaign against food adulteration and unsafe food practices.
Inspectors identify multiple violations
According to the PFA, inspection teams found serious violations of food safety regulations at the sealed outlets. Officials reported unhygienic freezers, poorly maintained washing areas, stagnant foul-smelling water and inadequate sanitation facilities.
Inspectors also discovered that several outlets lacked mandatory legal documentation, including supply and return records. In addition, they reported heavy insect infestations, improper food storage directly on the floor and bakery products without manufacturing or expiry dates.
Authorities further noted the presence of open drains and foul-smelling conditions, describing them as clear breaches of established food safety standards.
Zero-tolerance policy continues
Salma Butt said the Punjab Food Authority remains committed to eliminating food adulteration and ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations across the province. She emphasized that inspection teams are maintaining strict oversight throughout the food supply chain, from production and storage to distribution and retail operations.
She added that, following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the authority will continue enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against food fraud and unsafe practices. According to officials, businesses found violating food safety regulations will continue to face strict legal action, including heavy fines, closures and other penalties.
The PFA reiterated that its ongoing inspections are intended to protect public health by preventing expired, contaminated or substandard food products from reaching consumers while encouraging food businesses to maintain the highest hygiene and operational standards.
