Rs200,000 fine imposed on ice cream production unit

LAHORE:The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) raided an ice-cream production unit on 46km Multan Road and imposed Rs200,000 fine over violations besides discarding a huge quantity of unwholesome food.

PFA Director General M Asim Javaid said that the authority took action against the unit due to the presence of expired raw material, abundance of insects, dirty walls, stinky environment in the processing area and violation of the Punjab Pure Food Regulations.

He further said that non-food grade and uncertified material was being used for packaging the ice cream. The use of expired raw materials in ice cream is harmful to children’s health, he added. Strict action is being taken without any discrimination against those food business operators (FBOs) involved in forgery or negligence in the preparation of food on the directions of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, he said.

He urged people to read the writing on the label before purchasing any foodstuff and avoid purchasing substandard foodstuff. He also requested the public to support the PFA in eliminating the adulteration mafia and report to the PFA on its 1223 helpline number in case of any complaints.