The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and Punjab Agriculture & Meat Company (PAMCO) agreed for a joint enforcement team to control the sale and purchase of sick, emaciated and unhygienic chicken meat, beef and mutton besides elimination of illegal slaughterhouses in Punjab.
The team will also take help of district administration, livestock and other departments concerned to launch drive against butchers more efficient.
DG PFA Muhammad Usman also visited PAMCO Centre and witnessed the slaughtering process. He reviewed the cleanliness arrangements, medical facility for animals and other facilities at the centre. Incharge PAMCO Dr Tajamal briefed the DG about PAMCO's progress.
Usman directed ADG Operations Rafia Haider to prepare a comprehensive policy on it and ink MoU with all departments which will be part of the team. He said to ensure provision of healthy meat it is a responsibility of the authority for which the PFA is taking all necessary steps. He said citizens should purchase meat from reliable shops. He appealed citizens to inform PFA on its helpline and complaint cell about illegal abattoirs.
Meanwhile, the PFA on Tuesday informed the infant formula manufactures to correct the labelling and to stop writing word 'milk' on infant formula products. Deadline of 25th December has been set to comply with new regulations that will be followed by strict action.
These directions were issued by the DG during a meeting held with the office-bearers of Baby Food Manufacture Association. A detailed discussion was held to ensure the implementation of the Baby Foods Regulations 2018 in Punjab.