Enforcement teams of the Punjab Food Authority carried out operations in Industrial Estate and Nishtar areas on the directions of Director General PFA Syed Musa Raza.   Teams inspected three renowned bakery and cakes production units, imposed fines worth Rs1.1 million and discarded 104kg bread, over 80kg chocolate, 40kg spread and more than 40kg expired food items. 

Food safety teams took action against the bakery units over preparing cakes with expired chocolate and substandard ingredients, poor hygiene conditions and serious violations of food safety laws. DG PFA Syed Musa Raza said that foul smell, broken floors and stagnant dirty water were observed in the washing area during inspections. 

He said that flies, dirty utensils, fungus infected and rusted baking trays were being used in the processing hall, while mandatory water filtration reports and medical certificates of workers were also missing. He said that manufacturing and expiry dates were absent on products stored in cold storage and bakery items were found placed uncovered on the floor in violation of food safety regulations. 

DG PFA said that cockroaches were found in freezers and rat droppings were observed on flour bags. He further stated that strict action is being taken against food businesses violating Punjab Food Authority laws, stating that PFA teams are working round the clock to eliminate the adulteration mafia.  He has requested the public to support the PFA in eliminating the adulteration mafia and report to the PFA on its 1223 helpline number in case of any complaints. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)