Health hazards: Citizens protest sale of unhygienic food

"Illegal mini-factories manufacturing poor quality food items are being run in every area of city," Citizen Qasim Ali

SAHIWAL: Hundreds of citizens staged a protest demonstration in Sahiwal against the sale of substandard and unhygienic food items on Tuesday. They urged the district administration to take notice of the matter as substandard food is being sold in various parts of the city.

The protest was held at Sabzi Mandi Chowk against the food sellers involved in selling unhygienic edibles in various areas of the city, including Arifwala Road, Corn Market, Jahaz Ground, Muslim Town, Gulshan Ali Housing Scheme, Small Industry, Harrappa Station and Mohalla Teelian Wala.



A resident of Sahiwal Muhammad Faheem said the shopkeepers have been selling adulterated food items to the children which result in spread of various diseases.

Qasim Ali, another citizen, said various adulterated edibles, including pulses, chillies, tea and juices were being sold in these areas. He said, “Illegal mini factories involved in manufacturing such poor quality food items are being run in almost every area of the city.”

Similarly, a citizen Shahid Alam told The Express Tribune that these factories supply edibles to villages and suburbs of Sahiwal. “The government has failed to take notice of such illegal activities,” he added. He further said owners of mini factories and shopkeepers were playing with the lives of children.

The protesters urged Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Sahiwal Commissioner Babar Hayyat Tarrar to take immediate action and seal all such factories.

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