Lahore – July 25, 2025
In a major crackdown on food safety violations, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Thursday seized and destroyed 80,000 kilograms of expired frozen meat during a surprise raid at a cold storage facility in Omega Town, Ferozwala.
The raid was led by Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab, who oversaw the operation alongside enforcement teams. What they uncovered was alarming: heaps of rotting, discoloured, foul-smelling meat, including offals, liver, leg pieces, and chicken wings — all stored in filthy, substandard conditions.
PFA officials revealed that the cold storage facility was operating in blatant violation of food safety regulations. The site lacked basic hygiene, proper temperature control, and even failed to maintain records of where the meat came from or where it was headed. Alarmingly, the spoiled meat was reportedly being prepared for distribution to well-known restaurants, supermarkets, and food chains across the province.
A case has been registered against the owner of the facility, who has been taken into custody. The entire stock was declared unfit for human consumption and discarded immediately on the spot.
Speaking to the media, Salma Butt condemned the dangerous negligence, warning that “no one will be allowed to gamble with public health.” She added that the operation was carried out under the direct orders of the Chief Minister, who has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of food safety laws.
“This was a major public health threat that was stopped just in time,” she said. “Let this serve as a warning — any business found involved in such criminal negligence will be dealt with firmly and without exception.”
The PFA continues to ramp up its enforcement operations across Punjab, with Salma Butt reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that food businesses comply with strict hygiene and safety standards. Authorities urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food practices to the relevant departments.
