LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) caught a production unit of substandard snacks and confiscated 5,000kg packaging along with 2,300kg unwholesome food in a raid in Kasur on Thursday.

Led by PFA Director General Irfan Memon, the operation was conducted by the team near Mustafabad at Javed Snacks Unit on a tip off, said a press release.

The production unit was set up in a house to dodge the PFA but a vigilance team unearthed it after tracing the supply chain and their suspicious activities.

He said snacks were being prepared with expired raw material which was purchased at a fairly cheap price from different factories. Hazardous snacks and chocolates were also packed in the attractive packing of popular brands and were being supplied to shops in Lahore and its surrounding areas.

The team witnessed the poor storage system and an abundance of insects while counterfeiters also failed to produce a food license.

He said the authority has registered a case against the owner of the factory on account of adulteration and other violations.

Separately, the PFA in collaboration with the Lady Aitcheson Hospital arranged awareness camp on ‘Mother Feed is Child’s Right’ on Thursday.

The PFA nutritionists highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding at the Gynae OPD of the hospital.

Mr Memon said more than 450 women were given live consultation and awareness regarding breastfeeding at the camp. He said all women would be guided by nutrition experts.

“Our children are our future’s assets and healthy children create a healthy society,” he said. The biggest reason behind the breast cancer is the practice of avoiding feed to the children.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2020