PFA discards 22kg adulterated red chilli powder

MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Jun, 2026) The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Monday intensified its campaign against food adulteration by taking action against a grocery store and a pickle manufacturing unit in Multan, confiscating and destroying adulterated food products, arresting a shopkeeper, and imposing a Rs50,000 fine on a pickle production unit for serious food safety violations.

The raids were conducted by PFA food safety teams on the directives of Director General PFA Syed Musa Raza at a grocery store in Main Bazaar, Tate Pur, and a pickle production unit in Ali Wala New Abadi.

During the inspection of the grocery store, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of artificial colours and adulteration in red chilli powder. Authorities destroyed 22 kilograms of adulterated red chillies, registered an FIR against the shop owner under the relevant food safety laws, and handed him over to the police on the spot.

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In a separate operation, the team recovered more than one maund of fungus-infested, foul-smelling pickles from drums at the production unit. The contaminated stock was disposed of immediately. The inspection also revealed poor sanitation and serious violations of hygiene and food safety regulations, prompting the authority to impose a fine of Rs50,000 on the unit owner.

Speaking on the occasion, DG Punjab Food Authority, Syed Musa Raza, said the provision of safe, quality and adulteration-free food was foremost priority. He warned that no leniency would be shown towards those endangering public health and reaffirmed that strict action would continue against those elements involved in this business without discrimination.

He also urged citizens to report the sale or production of adulterated and unsafe food by contacting the PFA's helpline 1223.