The Punjab Food Authority has destroyed 16,700 kilograms of rotten mangoes during a food safety operation in Muzaffargarh. The action was taken after inspectors found spoiled fruit at a juice-processing facility on Jatoi Road.
According to the Punjab Food Authority, the factory was allegedly preparing to convert the rotten mangoes into mango pulp. Officials said the pulp could later have been supplied to manufacturers for use in juice products meant for consumers.
During the inspection, the food safety team also discovered that spoiled mangoes had been mixed with fresh fruit. Officials believed this may have been an attempt to hide the poor quality of the stock.
The Punjab Food Authority immediately confiscated the entire stock of rotten fruit. The spoiled mangoes were destroyed at the site to prevent them from entering the food supply chain.
The authority also imposed a Rs. 200,000 fine on the management of the processing unit. The penalty was issued for violating food safety laws and failing to maintain proper hygiene standards.
Inspectors reported several serious sanitation problems inside the facility. They found insects and a large number of dead flies in the storage area. Officials described the conditions as unsafe for handling food products.
According to the inspection team, such unhygienic conditions could pose a serious health risk to consumers. The authority said food processing facilities must follow strict cleanliness standards to ensure public safety.
The operation was carried out on the instructions of Punjab Food Authority Director General Syed Musa Raza. The inspection was supervised by the Director Operations South-I as part of the authority’s ongoing food safety campaign.
Officials said regular inspections are being conducted across Punjab to identify businesses that fail to meet food safety requirements. These inspections are intended to stop unsafe food products from reaching the market.
The authority stated that strict action will continue against factories and businesses found violating food safety regulations. It said protecting public health remains one of its highest priorities.
The Director General also advised people to choose freshly prepared homemade juices whenever possible. He said homemade drinks are often a safer option because consumers have better control over the quality of ingredients.
The Punjab Food Authority has repeatedly urged food manufacturers to maintain proper hygiene during food processing and storage. Businesses are expected to comply with official regulations to avoid legal action.
Officials added that poor storage conditions can quickly spoil fruits, especially during the summer season. Processing damaged fruit into food products can increase health risks for consumers.
Food safety experts say regular inspections help improve food quality and encourage businesses to follow health standards. They also help prevent unsafe products from reaching shops and supermarkets.
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The latest operation in Muzaffargarh reflects the authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety across the province. The Punjab Food Authority said it will continue monitoring food processing units and taking action against anyone who endangers public health through unsafe food practices.
