DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority has intensified its province-wide crackdown against fake and substandard food, carrying out major operations in Mardan, Haripur and Hangu.
According to a spokesperson, large quantities of counterfeit, mislabelled and substandard beverages were seized during the while strict legal action was taken against units involved in illegal production and distribution.
In Mardan, the food safety team raided a beverage production unit on Mohib Road following a tip-off and uncovered the manufacturing of counterfeit branded carbonated drinks. Officials recovered over 2,000 empty bottles, packaging material and hazardous chemicals being used in the preparation of fake beverages. The unit was sealed on the spot, a heavy fine was imposed on the owner, and further legal proceedings were initiated.
In Haripur, officials inspected a juice factory in the Hattar Industrial Estate, where 350 litres of mislabelled juice were confiscated. The factory owner was fined, while inspections of several food outlets were also carried out. Improvement notices were issued and expired licences were renewed on the spot through the authority’s e-licensing system.
Meanwhile, in Hangu, the food safety team set up a checkpoint on Hangu Road and checked vehicles transporting food items.
During the operation, 1,400 litres of substandard beverages were recovered from a vehicle and confiscated, with authorities imposing a heavy fine on those responsible.
Director General of the authority Kashif Iqbal Jilani commended the performance of the food safety teams and reiterated that there was no room for those involved in the business of fake and substandard food. He said indiscriminate action against such elements would continue to safeguard public health.
