Punjab CM vows strict action, heavy fines and exemplary punishment to ensure safe and pure food across the province

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a province-wide crackdown against the adulteration mafia, directing authorities

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a province-wide crackdown against the adulteration mafia, directing authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy to protect citizens from unsafe and contaminated food.

According to senior government officials, the chief minister has instructed the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) to take action against those involved in food adulteration without fear, favour or discrimination. The campaign aims to curb a long-standing problem and improve food safety standards across Punjab.

Speaking to Minute Mirror, a senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office said Maryam Nawaz had emphasised that protecting the health of Punjab’s population remained a top priority.

The official quoted the chief minister as saying that people had suffered for years because of food adulteration and that authorities could no longer allow the practice to continue. She directed officials to ensure strict enforcement against those found responsible for putting public health at risk.

The chief minister also called for severe penalties against repeat and serious offenders, including heavy fines, arrests and immediate sealing of facilities where major violations are detected.

Major operations launched

Following the directives, the Punjab Food Authority has intensified inspections and operations in several districts.

In Sahiwal, officials reportedly destroyed 8,200 kilograms of allegedly hazardous meat and 220 kilograms of prohibited ingredients. Machinery and raw materials were also seized during the operation.

In Lahore, authorities destroyed 10,000 litres of allegedly adulterated milk and 1,500 litres of toxic chemicals in the Gowalmandi area. Officials also seized expired products worth around Rs20 million from a warehouse in Nishter Town and sealed the facility. More than 1,000 kilograms of allegedly contaminated meat were also destroyed at an illegal slaughterhouse in Shahdara.

In Multan, authorities seized and destroyed 18,000 kilograms of fungus-affected pickles and 12,000 litres of substandard cooking oil.

A senior PFA official told Minute Mirror that officers had been directed to enforce the law without political influence or recommendations. The official said violators would face action according to the applicable laws.

Strict penalties planned

Officials said enforcement measures include Emergency Prohibition Orders (EPOs), immediate sealing of facilities involved in serious violations, financial penalties, arrests and proceedings before relevant food courts.

Improvement notices may be issued in cases involving minor violations, while authorities have maintained that offences posing a serious threat to public health will face stricter action.

A senior PFA official described the campaign as more than a routine inspection drive, saying authorities were determined to prevent adulterators from operating anywhere in Punjab.

Citizens urged to report violations

The government has also encouraged citizens to help authorities identify businesses involved in food adulteration.

Complaints can be submitted through the PFA helpline at 1223, the PFA mobile application and the official complaint email. The authority also provides milk-testing services for households.

Officials said public cooperation would be essential for the campaign’s success, urging citizens to report suspected adulteration rather than ignoring violations.

The crackdown forms part of the Punjab government’s broader public welfare and governance agenda, with officials stressing that access to safe and pure food should be treated as a basic right rather than a privilege.