KHARIAN: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) seized and destroyed four tonnes of allegedly fumigated barfi worth around Rs6 million during a crackdown on unhygienic food production in Kharian, officials said.
The authority launched the operation at a manufacturing site on Kolian Road on the directives of PFA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad.
During the inspection, officials recovered the large quantity of sweets and destroyed the entire stock on the spot after declaring it unfit for consumption.
PFA Says Old Barfi Was Mixed With Fresh Stock
According to a PFA spokesperson, operators at the facility were allegedly mixing the fumigated barfi with fresh sweets before selling the combined stock at higher prices.
Furthermore, the spokesperson said workers were manufacturing the sweets in unhygienic conditions and openly violating food safety regulations.
The inspection team also discovered a large number of insects at the manufacturing facility, according to the authority.
However, the PFA did not immediately provide details about possible arrests or disclose whether authorities had initiated legal proceedings against the operators of the facility.
Punjab Maintains Zero-Tolerance Policy on Unhygienic Food
Meanwhile, PFA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed authorities to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against the production and sale of unhygienic food across the province.
Consequently, the food authority has continued inspections and enforcement operations targeting businesses accused of violating health and food safety requirements.
Additionally, Ahmad urged citizens to assist enforcement teams by reporting suspected cases involving unsafe or unhygienic food.
He asked members of the public to contact the PFA helpline at 1223 whenever they encounter businesses producing or selling food under potentially hazardous or unhygienic conditions.
