The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has destroyed 16,700 kilograms of rotten mangoes during a food safety operation at a juice-processing facility in Muzaffargarh. The action was taken after inspectors found serious hygiene violations and allegedly spoiled fruit intended for juice production.
According to officials, the inspection was carried out at a processing unit located on Jatoi Road. During the raid, the PFA also imposed a Rs. 200,000 fine on the facility’s management for violating food safety regulations.
The authority said the operation was aimed at preventing unsafe food products from reaching consumers.
Rotten Mangoes Allegedly Meant for Juice Production
According to a PFA spokesperson, the confiscated rotten mangoes were allegedly intended to be processed into mango pulp.
Officials said the pulp could later have been supplied to manufacturers for the production of mango juice meant for public consumption.
During the inspection, food safety officers also discovered rotten mangoes mixed with fresh fruit.
Authorities believe the spoiled fruit had been combined with fresh stock in an apparent attempt to hide its poor condition.
Inspectors immediately confiscated the entire stock to stop it from entering the food supply chain.
Serious Hygiene Violations Found
The inspection team reported several hygiene concerns inside the processing facility.
Officials found insects and a large number of dead flies in the storage area where the mangoes were kept.
The authority said these conditions posed a serious risk to public health and failed to meet food safety standards.
To eliminate any health risk, the confiscated fruit was destroyed at the site under the supervision of food safety officials.
The authority stated that immediate disposal was necessary to ensure the spoiled fruit could not be processed or distributed.
Fine Imposed on Facility
Along with destroying the contaminated stock, the PFA fined the management Rs. 200,000 for violating food safety laws.
Officials said businesses involved in food production are required to maintain proper hygiene, safe storage conditions, and quality standards at all times.
The authority warned that strict action would continue against companies found compromising public health.
Raid Conducted Under Official Directions
According to the Punjab Food Authority, the operation was conducted on the instructions of Director General Syed Musa Raza.
The inspection was supervised by the Director Operations South-I, who oversaw the enforcement action at the facility.
The Punjab Food Authority said regular inspections are being carried out across the province to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
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Officials added that such operations are intended to protect consumers from unsafe food products and improve hygiene standards in the food industry. The latest PFA action highlights the authority’s continued efforts to prevent contaminated food from reaching the market and to enforce food safety laws across Punjab.
