LAHORE: Cockroaches, rats, insects and flies in production areas and stores and staff hygiene seem to be major reasons behind sealing of food outlets by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) these days.

On Friday, a PFA team, headed by Director (Operations) Ayesha Mumtaz, inspected Yasir Broast at Chauburji, and found a number of cockroaches, rats and flies in the production unit. The restaurant’s washing area and cold store were also dirty and there were flies on the uncooked meat which was outside the freezer.

A statement issued by a PFA spokesman said the condition was extremely bad and the restaurant owner had failed to make appropriate hygiene arrangements despite being served with notices twice and fined earlier. The team had to finally seal it.

The team also sealed Hameed Samosa Patti Unit in Mohallah Tajpura of Mozang after it found lack of appropriate cleanliness measures and absence of the workers’ medical fitness certificates.

Gulberg Town PFA team sealed Mian Hotel at Canal Park LDA Market over flies in cooking area, washrooms’ construction in front of kitchen and other hygiene issues.

Ravi Town team imposed fine on the contractor of the Lady Willingdon Hospital’s canteen. It also imposed fine on The Chicks and Bismillah restaurants.

Wagah, Samanabad and Shalimar towns’ PFA teams imposed fine on Alsheikh Samosa, Fine Pizza, Malik Hotel, Java Karahi and Ghafoor Bakery in various localities.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2015

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