The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed fat rendering unit, maraba (jam) unit and a sweets factory during a grand operation under the supervision of its Director General Captain Muhammad Usman(R) in Lahore and Sheikhupura on Tuesday.
During the operation, the authority discarded more than 11,000 kilograms of prepared food and raw material including 4,000kg animal's filth (fat), 1600kg substandard oil, 2800kg maraba covered with the fungus layers, 1900kg daal matri, 500kg vermicelli and 280kg matri gram flour.
Muhammad Usman said that PFA raided Zulifqar Fat Rendering Unit in the area of Kot Abdulmalik, and sealed it over finding evidence regarding selling substandard oil after adding oil (extracted from animal's filth) in used oil. He said that extracted oil from animal filth could be used in bio-diesel as per PFA Law.
In another raid, PFA closed down Al-Masomiya Punjab Fruit located at Hiran Minar. DG said that unit was sealed for producing adulterated maraba by adding artificial sweetness, loose colours and chemicals in it. He further said that the team also found an abundance of flies and unavailability of a food license. Food authority also sealed a unit of Qadri Sweets and Nimko for not complying with authority instructions, preparing substandard quality nimko through poor quality spices, daal matri and colours. He told that the use of daal matri is strictly prohibited in eatables.
He has appealed the citizens to prefer homemade food instead of store-bought food items. PFA is taking concrete steps to ensure the provision of safe food as per the vision of Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the Authority in collaboration with Kinnaird College arranged a seminar on "Stress Management and Diet" for the public awareness concerning the role of food during stress.
PFA Director General retired Captain Muhammad Usman was the chief guest. On the occasion, actor and director Sarmad Khoosat, psychology experts, nutritionists, teachers, students and people from different walks of life have participated. A group of students also presented a drama on stress management and diet which was highly appreciated by participants.
Muhammad Usman said that the excessive use of fast food, lack of exercise and smoking are big reasons behind depression.
He said that PFA is taking difficult decisions (like ban on banaspati ghee, carbonated and energy drinks) for the protection of public health. He added that consciousness has awakened among people regarding choose the best food along with awareness. DG further said that the provision of safe food is the utmost priority of PFA while good foods promote good health and help to protect against chronic disease.
Principle Kinnaird College said that we are ready to collaborate with food authority in order to promote the awareness programs in future. In the end, a yoga session was held for participants to reduce their stress level.
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