The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has seized 4,730 kilograms of expired food items from the warehouse of a well-known superstore in Lahore. Authorities also sealed the facility after uncovering serious violations of food safety regulations.
The enforcement operation took place at a warehouse located on Jia Bagga Road, Lahore. During the inspection, officials discovered that expired food products had been stored alongside fresh stock. As a result, the authority launched immediate action to prevent the products from reaching consumers.
Thousands of Kilograms of Food Recovered During Raid
During the raid, the inspection team recovered thousands of kilograms of various food items. These included flour, dry fruits, pulses, gram flour (besan), maida, porridge, and several other products.
Moreover, officials confirmed that all expired and unhygienic food items were destroyed on the spot. The action was taken to eliminate any risk of the products entering the market.
Warehouse Sealed Over Serious Food Safety Violations
According to the Director General of the Punjab Food Authority, the warehouse had allegedly been mixing expired food with fresh supplies. He described the practice as a serious violation of the Punjab Food Authority Act.
He said, “Due to this malpractice, there was a serious fear that expired goods would be supplied to citizens. Immediate action was taken and the packing warehouse has been sealed until rectification.”
The authority stated that such negligence could have exposed consumers to unsafe food products. Therefore, officials decided to seal the warehouse until all legal and food safety requirements are fulfilled.
PFA Warns Businesses Against Compromising Public Health
The Director General stressed that the Punjab Food Authority would continue taking strict action against businesses that violate food safety standards.
He said, “Every avenue of adulteration and substandard food in preparation and supply will be strictly curbed. Superstores and warehouses will have to strictly follow the rules, otherwise they will face strict legal action.”
Furthermore, the authority reaffirmed that protecting public health remains its top priority. It added that enforcement teams will continue monitoring warehouses, stores, and food supply chains across the province.
Consumers Asked to Check Expiry Dates
The Punjab Food Authority also urged citizens to remain cautious while purchasing food products.
Consumers have been advised to carefully check manufacturing and expiry dates before buying any packaged food. In addition, the authority encouraged the public to report complaints about expired or substandard food through the PFA helpline 1223.
Officials believe public cooperation can help strengthen food safety and reduce the circulation of expired products in the market. Consequently, the authority has urged both consumers and businesses to play their part in ensuring safe food practices across Punjab.
