LAHORE: The enforcement teams of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Wednesday stopped the production at five well-known bakeries for violation of quality parameters and labeling laws during different raids in the provincial metropolis.

On the directions of PFA Director General Raja Jahangir Anwarto launch an inspection drive against bakeries in Lahore to ensure the provision of adulteration-free food items to consumers, the food safety teams thoroughly checked the hygiene, food quality and safety standards at various production units during a daylong operation, says a handout.

It says the PFA teams shut down the production units of five bakeries on Dil Muhammad Road, Defence Road, Raiwind Road, Multan Road and in Kot Lakhpat area.

The teams took samples of bread and burger bun produced by the units for screening test on the spot and took action against the bakeries whose products were not up to the mark.

It said that an excessive quantity of yeast was being used in bakery items in violation of the PFA rules.

The raiding team also found the mandatory batch number on the products label used for packaging, besides wrong labeling.

The DG says the PFA’s slogan ‘From Farm to Fork’ is the top priority of the authority, adding that indiscriminate action against counterfeiters and those producing adulterated food items will continue in Punjab.

He appealed to the public to read the label carefully before purchasing any foodstuff, and if any adulterated items are being made somewhere, report it to the PFA on 1223 helpline.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2023