LAHORE: The Punjab Food Department imposed heavy fines on 42 flour mills on Thursday besides suspending their licenses for having substandard wheat on their premises.

The teams of the provincial food department inspected 1160 flour mills across the province on the order of Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin to ensure delivery of both affordable and high-quality flour to the people of Punjab.

During these inspections, the collective fine of Rs10 lakh was imposed on 20 flour mills located in Lahore, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Likewise, show-cause notices were served to 20 other flour mills in Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Bhakkar, with the suspension of all licenses for one week.

Bilal Yasin disclosed that the licenses of two flour mills in Faisalabad were revoked owing to severe violations of regulations.

Addressing the issue, Minister Yasin emphasized that punitive measures were taken against the use of non-standard and fungus-infected wheat, as well as the presence of impurities such as mud balls and defective ingredients in flour processing. He underscored the imposition of substantial fines for flagrant breaches of regulations, cautioning flour mill owners to rectify their practices to avoid facing legal consequences, including the filing of FIRs for the production of substandard flour.

Furthermore, the Minister asserted an uncompromising stance on both flour quality and the standard weight of Roti. He urged the diligent vigilance of food department staff throughout the province, stressing the close monitoring of both the quality and pricing of flour mills.

Yasin noted with satisfaction that the concerted efforts had led to a reduction in the price of a 20kg flour bag by 1000 to 1200 rupees, offering significant relief to the general public. He pledged the continuation of the Food Department’s endeavours to ensure fairness in the market, assuring the public of their unwavering commitment to upholding standards.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024