AVN Report
LAHORE: Taking action against the menace of substandard dairy products, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has imposed fines totaling over Rs20 million on 1,900 Food Business Operators (FBOs) during January 2024, discarding over 165,000 liters of adulterated milk and dairy items.
According to the PFA’s monthly performance report, extensive inspections were conducted across the province, with dairy and food safety teams checking 31,000 milk carrier vehicles and 12,000 milk shops, including dairy units.
PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid said that Emergency Prohibition Orders (EPOs) were imposed on 15 milk shops and dairy units found selling impure milk and substandard dairy products.
Fines were also slapped on 1,900 establishments for violating the PFA Act, amounting to a cumulative penalty exceeding Rs20 million, he added.
Moreover, 153 samples were subjected to detailed testing at the PFA laboratory, including products such as desi ghee, cheese, butter, ‘khoya,’ and other dairy items. The presence of prohibited ingredients in these products poses serious health risks, potentially harming consumers’ stomach and liver.
The PFA also took legal action against 24 FBOs for adulteration and forgery, lodging FIRs with the respective police stations during various raids, said Mr Asim.
He reiterated the PFA’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against those who compromise food safety standards for profit, emphasizing the authority’s relentless efforts to provide pure and nutritious food to the people of Punjab.
