37,000 litres of spurious juice seized

LAHORE

Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on the information of vigilance cell, raided and recovered 37,000 litre spurious juice of various brands.

The juice was made of chemicals and flavours, a case was filed against factory and property owner Cosa Nostra, Chashni Sweet Shop and Spice Bazaar, and 14 other food points were heavily fined for poor hygiene conditions.

As per instructions of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, a crackdown of Punjab Food Authority is in progress against manufacturers of substandard and adulterated edibles to ensure provision of standard food to the people.

PFA Director Operations Rafia Haider revealed that fake juices of renowned brands were being prepared by locking the house from outside.

The Punjab Food Authority team captured 8,000 litre manufactured juice from Factory-1, 11,000 from Factory-2 and 18,000 litre raw material.

She told that two factories were working simultaneously to ensure maximum production. Moreover, all juices were being made of chemicals and expired flavours. Even, there were no signs of fruits in both the factories.

By keeping the supply records, investigation has been directed while sealing the units and filing the case against owners. In other activities of Punjab Food Authority, Cosa Nostra, Chashni Sweet Shop and Spice Bazaar in Gulberg-II were fined Rs100,000, Rs50,000 and Rs100,000 for no MRDs, presence of flies in the area, improper insects preventive measures and dirty mincing machine.

In addition to this, K&K Juice Corner and Dahi Bhallay point situated in Township were sealed for using rotten fruits and chemical colours in juices, washroom in production area, unhygienic condition of workers, open drains, improper insects preventive measures, dirty and broken freezers, non-retrieval of medical certificates of workers and food licence.

Further, Shalimar Restaurant and Al-Jannat Juice Corner near Data Ganj Bakhsh area, Rehman Tikka and Fish Corner in Johar Town and K&K Biryani and Fried Chicks were imposed Rs5000, Rs4,000, Rs2,500 and Rs10,000 fine respectively for open drain and dustbins, uncovered food items, no MRDs, improper insects preventive measures and absence of hand washing soaps. Not only this but Pappu Pan shop, Azeem Fruit and Juice Corner, Hafiz Super Store, Noor Pak Milk Shop, Jani Nan shop, SA Super Store in Johar Town; Naseeb Burger Corner, Gourmet Sweets and Bakers in Shadman Market whereas Alhamd Milk shop and Grato Kozy Haleem in Township were advised to improve the standards and E-licences were issued on the spot.