LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has stepped up enforcement against food adulteration networks across the province, issuing formal directives through the Board of Revenue, Punjab, requiring village ‘lambardars’ (revenue headmen) to actively assist in identifying and reporting food adulteration activities.
According to an official communication circulated to all the deputy commissioners, the Board of Revenue has directed field-level revenue officials and lambardars to share actionable intelligence with the PFA teams regarding preparation, supply, and sale of adulterated food items in rural areas. The move is part of a province-wide crackdown ordered by the Chief Minister to dismantle networks involved in food fraud and to eliminate adulteration from the food supply chain.
The directive follows a serious incident in Pakpattan where a PFA enforcement team came under attack during a raid targeting adulterated milk suppliers. Officials confirmed that female food safety officers were harassed during the operation. In the wake of incident, show-cause notices have been issued to three lambardars for alleged negligence and collusion with suspected adulteration networks.
Under the new enforcement framework, lambardars have been made responsible for monitoring and reporting activities of adulteration mafias operating within their jurisdictions. They are required to immediately notify district administrations and the PFA authorities of any illegal food production or supply activities. The communication also warns that strict legal action will be initiated against lambardars found negligent in their duties or complicit with offenders.
The PFA officials said the latest action is aimed at tightening surveillance in rural supply chains, particularly in the dairy sector, where adulteration of milk remains a major concern. A special crackdown has been launched against fake milk sellers and illicit dairy supply networks across villages. The authority has reiterated its “zero tolerance” stance, stating that individuals involved in food adulteration will be made an example to deter future violations.
“The adulteration mafia will not be allowed to endanger public health. Our teams remain active in the field without fear, and such attacks cannot weaken our resolve,” senior PFA officials stated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments