Lahore Food Authority Crackdown: Fish Outlet Sealed Over Stale Fish & Unhygienic Practices

Punjab Food Authority Intensifies Crackdown on Unhygienic Fish Outlets

In a significant effort to safeguard public health, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), under the stringent directives of Director General Asim Javed, has initiated a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting fish outlets across the province. This extensive operation aims to ensure that food safety standards are rigorously upheld, thereby protecting consumers from substandard and unhygienic practices.

Widespread Inspections and Enforcement Actions

Dedicated food safety teams from the PFA conducted thorough examinations at 54 different locations, meticulously assessing various aspects of hygiene, proper food handling, and essential documentation. This intensified drive led to immediate enforcement actions against establishments found non-compliant with crucial health regulations.

Key Violations Lead to Sealing and Disposal

During these rigorous inspections, authorities uncovered several serious breaches of food safety protocols. More than 100 litres of substandard cooking oil were promptly confiscated and disposed of, alongside approximately one maund (around 40 kg) of stale fish deemed unfit for human consumption. A particularly egregious violation resulted in the sealing of an outlet in Lahore after inspectors discovered food being prepared in repeatedly used, unhealthy oil. This decisive action underscores the PFA's zero-tolerance policy for practices that compromise public well-being.

DG PFA Highlights Grave Health Risks

Director General Food Authority Asim Javed explicitly stated that these robust actions were prompted by pervasive issues, including poor hygiene conditions, a noticeable absence of mandatory operational documentation, and the alarming practice of blending fresh oil with previously used oil. He strongly emphasized the severe health ramifications associated with reusing cooking oil, describing it as a “serious violation” that carries the potential for “dangerous diseases.” The sealing of a fish point in Lahore for selling stale fish and using contaminated oil serves as a stark warning to other non-compliant businesses across the region.

Commitment to Consumer Safety

The Punjab Food Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all food businesses operate under the highest standards of hygiene and safety. This ongoing campaign serves as a crucial reminder to vendors about their paramount responsibility to provide safe, quality food products to the public. Consumers are also strongly encouraged to report any suspicious or unhygienic practices to the PFA, thereby actively contributing to a healthier and safer food environment for everyone.