Minister opens PFA’s office in Murree

Inspects food in various hotels, imposes fines on several outlets for substandard food

RAWALPINDI:

In a significant initiative by the Punjab Chief Minister for domestic and foreign tourists, Food Minister Punjab Bilal Yasin inaugurated the Food Authority office in Murree.

During the inauguration, the minister inspected food prepared in various hotels for tourists and imposed fines on several establishments for serving substandard food.

A spokesperson said that the Punjab Food Authority office in Murree is now fully operational.

The minister said that establishing a Food Authority office in this popular tourist destination is to ensure thorough food quality inspection. Murree is a major attraction for domestic and foreign tourists in Pakistan, and food points will be closely monitored, he said, adding that meat and milk coming from adjacent areas will be checked at the entrances of Murree.

All types of food businesses, including restaurants, cafes, tea shops, and stores, will be inspected to ensure high quality. A zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against the consumption of defective products, prioritising the health and quality of food for tourists.

The minister urged food business operators to refrain from adulterating food and advised tourists to check items before purchasing.

During inspections, a well-known bakery on Jhika Street was immediately shut down, and several fines were imposed on several food outlets.

The authority imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on a famous fast food restaurant on Mall Road. It also fined Rs200,000 on the well-known Shinwari Restaurant on Mall Road, and Rs100,000 on a popular Desi Hotel on Mall Road for substandard food. Additional fines were also imposed due to poor cleaning arrangements.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2024.