PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has launched a province-wide crackdown against fake and substandard food in the province
In this connection an operation has been carried out in Mardan, Haripur and Hangu. Large quantities of counterfeit, mislabeled and substandard beverages were seized and confiscated, while strict legal action was taken against multiple units involved in the illegal activity.
According to the Food Authority spokesperson, a team of Food Safety in Mardan while acting on a tip-off, raided a beverage production unit located on Mohib Road.
The raid exposed the manufacturing of counterfeit and mislabeled branded carbonated drinks. During the operation, more than 2,000 empty bottles, packaging material and harmful chemicals were recovered, which were being used in the preparation of fake beverages. The unit was sealed on the spot, and a heavy fine was imposed on the owner, while further legal proceedings have been initiated.
The spokesperson further stated that in Haripur, the Food Safety Team conducted a detailed inspection of a juice factory located in Hattar Industrial Estate.
During the inspection, 350 liters of mislabeled juice were recovered and confiscated, and a fine was imposed on the factory owner. In addition, several food outlets were inspected, improvement notices were issued, and expired licenses were renewed on the spot through the Authority’s e-licensing system.
In Hangu, the Food Safety Team set up a checkpoint on Hangu Road and carried out strict checking of food-carrying vehicles.
During the operation, 1,400 liters of substandard beverages were recovered from a vehicle, which were immediately confiscated, and a heavy fine was imposed on those responsible.
Director General (DG) KP Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, Kashif Iqbal Jilani, appreciated the performance of the food safety teams and reiterated that there is no room in the province for those involved in the business of fake and substandard food.
He emphasized that no leniency will be shown to those endangering public health, and indiscriminate actions against such elements will continue.
