Food outlets sealed over poor hygiene

LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Wednesday sealed several food outlets over various violations of rules.

A PFA team in Allama Iqbal Town sealed Zakir Tikka in Johar Town over poor cleanliness. A PFA spokesman said the restaurant had had an open sewer, dirty cooking utensils and flies on food products. He said workers did not have medical certificates. The spokesman said rotting vegetables were being used in preparation of the food.

The authority also closed an IBL Operations godown in Maraka for not having a food licence.

A PFA team in Nishtar Town sealed Crystal Foods in Sheraz Town for having a toilet close to the cooking area. A spokesman said no soap was available for washing hands and utensils were lying unclean. He said manufacturing and expiry dates were not marked on the food products.

He said the PFA teams had collected the food items and sent samples to a laboratory for analysis.

In Ravi Town, a PFA team led by Operations Director Ayesha Mumtaz sealed Noor Traders in Akbari Mandi for selling adulterated spices. A spokesman said the PFA seized 1,500 kilograms of red chilli powder, turmeric and bran. The authority also registered an FIR against the owner of the godown. A team in Samanabad sealed Sufi Bong Paya in Moon Market and Rana Dilbar Sweets factory in Ayubia Market over poor cleanliness. Both businesses were also caught using substandard ingredients in food products.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2016.