LAHORE, May 22: The City District Government Lahore has given a seven-day deadline to over 50 A-class hotels and restaurants to improve conditions at their kitchens for avoiding the spread of epidemics due to change in weather.

The eateries are ignoring precautions during preparation of food and have not taken proper measures against epidemics, especially those related to change in weather, says district officer (food) Chaudhry Munir Ahmad who has issued notices to the managements of these hotels and restaurants.

These included Avari, Pearl Continental, Bundo Khan, Salt-n-Pepper, AFC, Gulberg Kabana, Ambassador, Pizza Hut, Shanghi, Mirchie, Tai Pae, Cafe Zauk, Lazzat, Dera, Ravi, Lahore Broast, Ravi Pizza & Fast Food, Kings & Queens, Maharaja Restaurant, Sardar Fish Corner, KFC, HFC, Smart Chicks and Subway.

The food officer says managements of these eateries have been directed to ensure that staff engaged in preparation of food is not suffering from any contagious or skin disease and that gloves and caps should be used by them while processing the food.

Regular medical examination of staff has been directed while fitness certificates of all the employees have also been sought within seven days, he says, adding the violators will be prosecuted under section 146 of the Local Government Ordinance.

Meanwhile, a special squad of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) continued operation against land mafia and evicted grabbers from seven plots worth Rs30 million in Johar Town. Shops and residences had been constructed on plots (Nos 17, 577 and 584 in Q Block and 30-B-H-1, 31-H-1, and 16-H-2).

All goods present in the shops and debris have also been confiscated, while disciplinary action against LDA officials who had connived with the land-grabbers has also been initiated.