LAHORE: On the special directions of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Director General Captain (r) Muhammad Usman, food safety teams on Sunday held a province-wide crackdown on substandard pickle and murabba manufacturing units.
During the operation, the provincial food regulatory body shut down six pickle units and a murabba unit in different cities of Punjab whereas 25 food business operators were served with heavy fines and 51 manufacturing units with improvement notices.
The strict action was taken against them for not complying with PFA’s instructions and failing to meet the food safety standards, PFA DG Muhammad Usman said.
“Out of 109 manufacturing units, the authority inspected 56 units in Lahore, 17 in Rawalpindi, 22 in Multan and 14 units in Muzaffargarh,” the PFA DG said, adding that pickle manufacturing units were closed for using rotten fruits and vegetables.
“The murabba unit, on the other hand, was sealed for preserving fruit in blue-coloured chemical drums to expedite the manufacturing process.”
Moreover, he said, hazardous chemicals and flavours were being used to eliminate the taste of fungus that is harmful for consumers and added that substandard jam and pickle are packed and supplied to reputable stores.
Meanwhile, PFA has warned all food business operators to ensure the quality of their products as per the food watchdog’s standards, otherwise, face a strict action.
“Citizens should purchase products from a trustworthy place and preferably use homemade pickle. PFA is fully committed to ensure the provision of quality food to the people of the province as per its ‘Healthy Punjab’ initiative,” read a statement issued here.