LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed a well-known biscuit factory and a food store on Multan Road and Sheikhupura Road.

A spokesperson for the PFA said on Monday, 11 food factories and units were inspected and fines worth Rs765,000 were imposed on five units during a crackdown.

During the operations, he said, teams discarded 50,000 litre expired oil, 14,000kg raw material, 900kg powder, 250 expired gums and other prohibited items.

On Sheikhupura Road, a known biscuit factory was sealed for using expired raw materials in making biscuits, while on Multan Road, a food store was shut down after 40,000 litre expired oil was recovered from its store.

PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid said expired and fresh stocks were found stored together without separation with poor hygiene arrangements in the factory. He added that mandatory records, including workers’ medicals and training certificates, were unavailable while the processing area was in a foul smelling condition with uncovered food items.

All available resources would be utilised to eradicate the adulteration mafia, he said adding that food business operators must ensure compliance with food laws, as no leniency would be given to violators.

He has requested the citizens to register food-related complaints by calling PFA’s helpline 1223.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2025