Nimko unit sealed; fine imposed on three

LAHORE: Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen has said that strict action is being taken against all those involved in doing fraud in food business.

According to official sources here, the minister, along with Punjab Food Authority director general (DG), carried out an operation in the City area.Raids were conducted on four famous bakeries and ‘Nimko’ units. On violation, one unit was sealed while fine of Rs0.8 million was imposed on other three units.

Around 3,200 litre used and substandard oil was discarded besides 55kg banned food colours. Bilal Yaseen said that action was taken because substandard oil was being used for preparing ‘Nimko’. He said that poor cleanliness arrangements had been witnessed in the processing area while there was no training or medical certificates of employees. Bakery and confectionery items were being prepared in untidy area and there was a lot of foul smell as well, he said and added that rats and other insects were also seen in storage area. The minister said unhealthy food business would not be tolerated at all, adding that people should call helpline 1223 to inform about elements involved in running unhealthy food business.