The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has sealed three food businesses during a crackdown in several areas of Lahore.
The operation covered Shahdara, Park View, Railway Road, and nearby localities. Moreover, officials imposed fines totaling Rs250,000 on two additional food businesses.
The inspections targeted restaurants and food manufacturing units accused of violating food safety and hygiene regulations.
Unsafe meat and hazardous Chinese salt confiscated
During the operation, enforcement teams confiscated and destroyed more than 40 kilograms of substandard meat.
In addition, officials recovered hazardous Chinese salt from inspected premises.
The authority said these products failed to meet food safety standards. Therefore, they were removed to protect public health.
Restaurants and manufacturing unit sealed over hygiene violations
Among the sealed businesses were a well-known breakfast restaurant, a popular Sajji outlet, and a Murabba manufacturing unit.
According to the Punjab Food Authority, inspection teams found serious sanitary violations at these facilities.
Meanwhile, another well-known restaurant received a Rs200,000 fine after repeatedly failing to comply with improvement notices issued by the authority.
PFA highlights serious sanitation concerns
Punjab Food Authority Director General Syed Musa Raza said inspection teams found alarming conditions inside the food production units.
“Inspection teams discovered live frogs and insects inside food production areas.”
He further stated that the facilities were operating under extremely unhygienic conditions.
He added that open drains, foul odours, and fungus-contaminated freezers posed a potential threat to public health.
Food safety operations to continue across Punjab
The Punjab Food Authority said enforcement operations will continue across the province.
According to the authority, regular inspections aim to ensure food businesses comply with hygiene regulations.
Furthermore, the ongoing campaign seeks to improve food safety standards and ensure consumers receive safe and hygienic food products across Punjab.
