PFA confiscates 31,885 boxes of hazardous betel nut after lab test failure

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Mar, 2026) The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has confiscated 31,885 boxes of a renowned betel nut (supari) brand from across Punjab after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of aflatoxin beyond permissible limits, posing serious health risks to consumers.

The province-wide action was carried out by PFA enforcement teams under the directions of Director General PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid and on the instructions of the Chief Minister Punjab. The entire market stock of the product was removed in the larger public interest to safeguard public health.

According to the DG, food safety teams retrieved the hazardous product from 1,158 distributors, wholesalers, warehouses (godowns), marts and retail outlets. The production unit of the betel nut was traced to Karachi, and recommendations have been forwarded to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings.

Muhammad Asim Javaid stated that aflatoxin is highly toxic to the liver and is considered a major cause of cancer. He emphasized that, on the directions of the Chief Secretary Punjab, strict monitoring of all small and large-scale food products is underway to ensure full compliance with food safety standards.

He warned that businesses involved in the production or sale of substandard and hazardous food items in violation of prescribed standards would face closure and legal action. “No one is above the law. Protection of public health remains our foremost priority,” he asserted.

The DG urged food business operators to strictly adhere to food safety laws and maintain quality standards. He also advised parents to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food items for their children.