LAHORE: - The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) special team on Wednesday sealed Ajwa Foods ketchup production unit in Samnabad area over adulteration in the preparation of ketchup, absence of lab test, failed to provide food license and other issues.

The team has confiscated 25000kg adulterated ketchup and later discarded. 

The PFA during inspected various food sites and shut down 23 food businesses including food production units, hotels, chicken sale points, factories, warehouse, catering units and milk shops over unhygienic conditions and proved adulteration in food items.

The PFA teams also imposed Rs 426000 fine on 50 food points.

Out of 23 sealing, eight food points sealed in south zone, six in Lahore division, five in Rawalpindi and four in Sargodha divisions.

Besides, food safety teams have penalized 12 Food Business Operators (FBOs) with fine tickets of Rs 163000 in Lahore.

The PFA also imposed fine Rs128000 on 16 eateries in South Punjab, Rs65000 fine on 11 food points in Rawalpindi, Rs70000 fine on 11 food premises in Sargodha and remaining food business punished in other areas of Punjab.

The teams also closed down two food premises including famous restaurant Paratha Roll in Liberty Market for using poor quality commodities in food.

PFA has closed a famous factory for using talcum powder in the preparing of biscuit, prohibited monosodium glutamate in nimko and papar, located at Sheikhupura Road.

In DG Khan, PFA has caught red handed a group of adulterators involved into preparing of adulterated and substandard sweets through recycling of discarded sugar syrup and sweets.

Team has discarded 1500kg poor quality halva, 100kg fetid oil, 200kg sweets during raid on site.

On daily basis, around 8-10 thousands samosa were supplied in market. PFA has registered a case against accused in the respective area police station as per law.

PFA Director General Noorul Amin Mengal said that PFA has issued Rs20000 fine to each violator who failed to use food safety kits.