Outlets on motorway fined; notices served

LAHORE:Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams under the supervision of Director General Asim Javed, raided Bhera Motorway Service Area to ensure safe and hygienic food for travellers.

A total of 43 food outlets were inspected. Three were imposed fine of Rs145,000 over serious violations, while 40 others were served improvement notices.During the operation, food safety teams discarded expired bottled water, stale vegetables, soft drinks and substandard cooking oil on-site.

The Punjab Food Authority Director General (DG) said that poor hygiene, use of expired items and non-compliance with previous directives were observed. He added that meat and dairy were stored together in dirty freezers, kitchens were infested with flies and lizards, food was left uncovered and food handlers lacked medical clearance.

He emphasised that surprise inspections were ongoing at food outlets on motorways, terminals and major highways. Sale of unapproved food items on motorways is strictly prohibited. Citizens are urged to report food safety complaints via Punjab Food Authority Helpline 1223.