In a sweeping crackdown, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) launched a large-scale operation against the illegal production of counterfeit and adulterated drinks in Lahore, Pakistan.In a sweeping crackdown, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) launched a large-scale operation against the illegal production of counterfeit and adulterated drinks in Lahore, Pakistan. PFA teams inspected popular juice brands in key areas of the city, including Lahore City and Haji Park. During the raids, they discovered and seized significant quantities of chemically contaminated juice, expired oil, and fake packaging material. The authorities imposed a substantial fine of Rs350,000 and filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused individuals for violating food safety regulations. Over 550 liters of counterfeit juice, 150 liters of expired oil, and a large amount of packaging material were removed by the teams. PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid stated that the authority had registered a case against the owner of a facility where fake juices and packaging materials were recovered. He emphasized the use of harmful ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, flavors, loose colorings, and dangerous chemicals, in the production of these juices. Screening tests conducted by the team revealed zero brix value in the juices, indicating their lack of authenticity. Additionally, the food business operator (FBO) was found to be operating without a valid food license. The PFA also raided an outlet of a well-known food point, where they identified prohibited ingredients, substandard cooking oil, spider webs, excessive insect infestation, and poor hygiene practices in the processing area. The outlet’s administration failed to present medical records of its workers during the inspection.
LAHORE: The food safety teams of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Wednesday carried out a large-scale operation against counterfeit mafia and fake drinks produced with adulterated ingredients in the provincial metropolis.
The teams inspected popular juice brands in Lahore City and Haji Park. The authority imposed a fine of Rs350,000 and registered an FIR against the accused for violations in the respective police station.
The PFA watchdog teams removed 550 litres of chemically contaminated juice, 150 litres of expired oil and a huge amount of packaging material.
PFA DG Muhammad Asim Javaid said that the PFA has registered a case against the owner after the recovery of fake juices and fake packaging material. He said that harmful juices have been produced with artificial sweeteners, flavours, loose colourings and hazardous chemicals.
He said that the team found zero brix value of juices during screening tests. In addition, FBO was running a food business without a food license from the competent authority.
A team of PFA raided an outlet of a famous food point and imposed a hefty fine for using banned ingredients and substandard cooking oil, spider webs, excessive insects and poor hygiene in the processing area. The administration of the outlet also failed to provide the medical records of the workers on the spot to the raiding team.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
