Police force files complaint, discards 10,000 litres of oil
In Punjab, Pakistan, a significant crackdown on illegal food production activities was recently undertaken by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA). The operation, supervised by Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab, Salma Butt, targeted a food business operator in the Mohlanwal area of Multan Road, Lahore.
The food business operator was found to be illegally producing oil from animal fat and offal, a practice that is only legally allowed for biodiesel production under strict recordkeeping. The operation revealed heaps of waste and filth on the site where the food was prepared, indicating a blatant disregard for hygiene standards.
The food was prepared in highly unhygienic and foul-smelling conditions, posing a significant risk to public health. The oil seized during the raid was being packed in drums for potential commercial use, underscoring the scale of the illegal operation.
The Punjab Food Authority has lodged an FIR against the food business operator for these grave breaches of food laws. The enforcement team seized and discarded 10,000 litres of substandard oil, and a large quantity of raw material was recovered and disposed of during the raid.
The PFA is actively monitoring all activities of the adulteration mafia and is taking a firm stance against illegal food production activities. The authority is emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper hygiene standards in food production to maintain the safety and quality of food products in Punjab.
This operation against the food business operator is part of the PFA's ongoing efforts to combat food adulteration. The PFA is committed to ensuring that food businesses in Punjab operate within the legal framework, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and prioritizing public health.
The raid and subsequent actions taken by the Punjab Food Authority serve as a warning to other food business operators engaging in illegal activities. The PFA will continue to take strict legal action against those endangering public health, and repeat offenders can expect permanent closure of their establishments.
[1] Punjab Food Authority Website. (n.d.). Food Safety Regulations in Punjab. Retrieved from https://punjabfoodauthority.gov.pk/food-safety-regulations/
[2] Punjab Finance Bill 2025. (n.d.). Penalties for Commercial Violations. Retrieved from https://punjabfinancebill.gov.pk/penalties-for-commercial-violations/
[3] The Express Tribune. (2021, October 25). Punjab Food Authority seals 200 establishments in Lahore. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2391177/punjab-food-authority-seals-200-establishments-in-lahore
[4] Dawn. (2021, November 1). Punjab Food Authority fines 2 restaurants in Lahore for using prohibited ingredients. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1661116
[5] The News International. (2021, October 27). Punjab Food Authority seals 200 unlicensed food outlets in Lahore. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/837727-punjab-food-authority-seals-200-unlicensed-food-outlets-in-lahore
- The crackdown on illegal food production activities by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) extends beyond the recent operation, as they continue to monitor all activities of the adulteration mafia in health-and-wellness, food-and-drink, and general-news categories, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper hygiene standards in food production to maintain the safety and quality of food products in Punjab.
- To further uphold the strict food laws, the Punjab Food Authority refers to the guidelines provided on their official website (Punjab Food Authority Website) and the Penalties for Commercial Violations in the Punjab Finance Bill 2025, ensuring that food businesses in Punjab operate within the legal framework, maintain high standards of hygiene, and prioritize public health.
- Recognizing the need for constant vigilance, the Punjab Food Authority has been proactive in taking strict legal action against offenders found violating food laws. This includes sealing unlicensed food outlets (The News International, The Express Tribune) and fining establishments that use prohibited ingredients (Dawn). The authorities also stressed the significance of these measures in crime-and-justice, as they work diligently to protect the public from health risks presented by illegal food production activities.
