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Tuesday March 19, 2024

PFA probes bacteria presence in formula milk

By our correspondents
December 12, 2017

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has launched an investigation into the ‘presence’ of salmonella bacteria in children’s milk brand ‘Lactalis’, which has caused scare among the citizens, especially the parents.

Salmonella infection spreads from intestine of animals, the PFA officials said, adding salmonella bacteria may cause severe diseases including diarrhea and vomiting in children. The PFA officials said PFA DG Noorul Amin Mengal took notice of complaints about the ‘presence’ of salmonella bacteria in children’s leading milk brand "Lactalis" and directed his team to submit a report on the issue within three days.

The PFA DG directed the officers to conduct a survey about the bad effects of the imported milk on children’s health and find out any cases of illness reported after the use of the milk. Further strategy and future of the brand will be decided after the report, the officials said. They said the DG directed removal of the product from the market if it is found harmful. The officials said the PFA already formulated PFA Regulation to control substandard formula milk supply in market. Meanwhile, PFA sealed factory (Sakhi Pak Dairy) for making fake butter that was being prepared with Banaspati Ghee and other substandard food articles in the area of Nishter Town. A PFA team under the supervision of Director Vigilance Dr Farhan raided the factory on a tip-off and confiscated several maunds of substandard butter and later discarded.

Noorul Amin Mengal said fake butter was being made by using Banaspati Ghee, surf and flavour. He said the butter was to supply to sweet shops and food points for preparing confectioneries and several foods dish like Karahi Gosht, Dal Makhni, Makhan Handi, etc.  

He said Banaspati Ghee is injurious to health and appealed to citizens purchase good quality and ratified products from reliable stores. He said the factory was sealed with the help of police team after facing resistance from the factory owners. The PFA registered an FIR against the factory owners. The PFA will also take action against shopkeepers where the butter was supplied.