180 litre fake cold drinks seized; case registered

LAHORE:Punjab Food Authority (PFA) launched a crackdown on the adulteration mafia to ensure the safety of food and beverages on Eidul Azha.

Under the direct supervision of Director General Asim Javaid, the operation led to the seizure and destruction of a massive quantity of counterfeit cold drinks and banned food substances, as well as the registration of a criminal case against those involved.

The coordinated operation, led by Punjab Food Authority Additional Director and executed by food safety teams, resulted in the confiscation of 180 litre fake cold drinks and significant amounts of harmful raw materials used in their production.

Among the items seized were 250kg artificial sweeteners, Over 3,900 bottles of ready-to-sell counterfeit cold drinks, 4,000 empty bottles, 60kg fake bottle caps, 200kg counterfeit labels, chemicals, filling machines, gas cylinders and storage drums.The crackdown also included the inspection of 14 food outlets located near Multan Road where three establishments were fined a total of Rs245,000 for violating food safety standards.

PFA DG Asim Javaid said that a counterfeit beverage production facility in Karol Ghati was also raided during the operation, and an FIR has been registered. The unit was found manufacturing fake soft drinks using hazardous chemicals and falsely labeling them as popular commercial brands. All stock prepared for Eid distribution was destroyed on the spot, he confirmed.