The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has sealed a warehouse in Lahore after recovering 5.5 tons of expired food products. The expired stock was reportedly worth Rs20 million, raising serious concerns about food safety and storage practices.
The authority also imposed a Rs1 million fine on the warehouse administration following the inspection.
PFA Finds Thousands of Kilograms of Expired Food
The raid took place in the Attari area of Nishtar Town under the supervision of PFA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmed.
According to the PFA spokesperson, officials disposed of 5,500 kilograms of expired food products during the operation.
The discarded items included chia seeds, chana papri, corn flour and several other food products. Officials also found 400 kilograms of unhygienic meat stored at the warehouse.
The inspection reportedly found that some expired and substandard products were being prepared for re-supply to consumers.
Moreover, the warehouse supplied food products across Pakistan through online orders.
Insects and Rodent Droppings Found at Warehouse
The inspection uncovered several other violations linked to food storage and hygiene conditions. Officials found insects and rodent droppings on storage racks inside the warehouse.
The administration also lacked essential records, supply details and other mandatory documents required by the food authority.
Furthermore, product labels had not received approval from the relevant authority. The warehouse administration had also failed to follow previous instructions concerning hygiene and food safety.
Mandatory medical and training certificates for food handlers were also unavailable during the inspection.
PFA Orders Immediate Closure
Following the violations, the PFA ordered the immediate closure of the warehouse under the Punjab Pure Food Regulations.
The authority also imposed a Rs1 million fine on the warehouse administration. The action came after officials found expired, substandard and unhygienic food products intended for potential distribution.
The disposal of the products was carried out to prevent the unsafe stock from reaching consumers.
PFA Warns Against Food Fraud
PFA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmed said food adulteration and fraud would not be tolerated. He also said the authority remained committed to eliminating food adulteration across Punjab.
The DG said the crackdown was being carried out under the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
“All avenues of food fraud will be closed across the province and those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.
The latest action highlights the authority’s continued focus on food safety violations and the storage of expired products.
For consumers, the discovery also raises concerns about how expired and substandard food could enter the market through regular and online supply channels.
