PFA teams raid Tollinton Market and surrounding areas, discard unsafe poultry and penalize dozens of food businesses amid growing concerns over food contamination and public health risks in Lahore
LAHORE: In one of the largest recent food safety crackdowns in Lahore, the Punjab Food Authority discarded more than 9,600 kilograms of dead chickens during a major operation targeting unsafe food supply chains in the provincial capital.
The operation was carried out on the directives of Punjab Food Authority Director General Syed Musa Raza, with enforcement teams conducting early morning raids at Tollinton Market and nearby areas to prevent contaminated poultry from entering the city’s food supply network.
According to PFA officials, a total of 9,645 kilograms of dead chickens were destroyed on the spot along with over 40 kilograms of prohibited food colors and expired food items recovered during the inspections.
Authorities said 36 food units and suppliers were inspected during the operation, while fines worth Rs626,000 were imposed over multiple violations of food safety regulations.
Punjab Food Authority intensifies crackdown on unsafe poultry
DG PFA Syed Musa Raza stated that the operation successfully foiled an attempt to distribute unsafe poultry products in Lahore’s markets, warning that strict action would continue against individuals involved in compromising public health.
Food safety teams also identified serious hygiene violations at several restaurants and food preparation facilities during the inspections.
Officials reported:
- Heavy insect infestation inside kitchens
- Foul-smelling food preparation environments
- Improper storage of dairy and meat products together
- Fungus-contaminated freezers
- Missing oil change records
- Absence of medical and training certificates for food handlers
- Food items without expiry or production dates
Public health concerns rise over contaminated food supply
Food safety experts warn that consumption of contaminated or improperly stored poultry products can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, bacterial infections and gastrointestinal diseases.
Authorities say dead or unsafe poultry entering commercial supply chains poses serious risks to public health, particularly in densely populated urban areas where large food markets serve thousands of consumers daily. The Punjab Food Authority has recently intensified inspections across restaurants, meat suppliers and food production units as part of broader efforts to strengthen food safety enforcement in Punjab.
