PFA seizes fake beverages, recovers over 10,000kg substandard items ahead of Eid

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Mar, 2026) The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) seized over 10,220 kilograms of substandard food items and destroyed 10,000 litres of counterfeit cold drinks prepared for Eid supply during raids in various areas of the provincial capital, here on Wednesday.

Acting on the directions of Director General Asim Javed, PFA teams conducted operations in Bata Pur, Ahmad Town, Ali Town and Raiwind Road, where five production units were inspected. One unit was sealed, three were fined a total of Rs410,000, while a case was registered and a suspect arrested.

According to a PFA spokesperson, fake cold drinks were being manufactured in a residential area and were intended for supply to small retail outlets during Eid-ul-Fitr. Workers were caught red-handed filling counterfeit bottles of well-known brands and sealing them with used caps.

During the raids, the teams recovered 150 kilograms of sugar, two gas cylinders, three compressors, 10 kilograms of used bottle caps, six drums and a large quantity of empty bottles.

The authority said the beverages were being prepared using unapproved formulas, prohibited colours and artificial flavours, posing serious health risks.

The DG said that food business was being carried out without a licence in violation of regulations, adding that a well-known bakery unit was also sealed for non-compliance with previous instructions, while three units were penalised for violating pure food regulations. He further noted that mandatory records, including employees’ medical and training certificates, were found missing.

The DG said that indiscriminate crackdowns against food adulteration would continue, adding that PFA teams would remain active in the field throughout the three days of Eid holidays. Citizens have been urged to report food-related complaints by calling the PFA helpline 1223.