280kg of dead chicken meat disposed of at Lahore’s Tollinton Market

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Saturday disposed of over 280kg of dead chicken at Tollinton Market and in excess of 80kg of unhygienic meat at Bakra Mandi during a raid in a bid to ensure that no unhealthy meat is being sold in the city of Lahore.

During the raid, a meat shop was sealed for recovering poorly manufactured meat. A case was registered, and two freezers were seized. Meats safety teams inspected 12 warehouses, suppliers, and vendors, with almost 37,000kg of chicken tested. Excessive fines were levied on two vendors, and notices were issued to 10 for violating food safety rules.

According to PFA Director General Asim Javed, the move was taken following the detection of ill chickens during inspections. There were also several organizations that lacked required documents. The unhealthy birds were later declared unfit for consumption following an examination by veterinarians.

Poor sanitation facilities, non-functional freezers, as well as the lack of issuance and expiry dates, were found in the closed shop, he said. The director general also mentioned that the workers lacked valid medical certificates and the shops lacked valid licenses.

Asim Javed stated, both beef and chicken meat was in the process of being distributed when, in the nick of time, the meat safety teams took action to stop it from being distributed in the market. "This adulteration mafia poses a serious health hazard to the citizenry, as they sell illness in the name of health food.”

“The PFA chief has exhorted citizens to exercise caution while procuring food items and assured that food inspection teams would continue to monitor strictly,” quotes NDTV. “He also requested citizens to inform about violations through the PFA helpline number 1223,” it added.