Provision of safe, hygienic food: Grand operation carried out at recreational parks, tourist spots

LAHORE: The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection department, in collaboration with the Forest department, carried out a grand operation at recreational parks and tourist spots across Punjab during Eid-ul-Azha to ensure the provision of safe and hygienic food to visitors.

According to the Food Safety spokesperson, a total of 1,012 inspections were conducted across the province during the Eid holidays. The authority issued corrective notices to 555 food points for violating food safety regulations, while heavy fines were imposed on 105 food businesses and restaurants over adulteration, unhygienic conditions and the sale of substandard food items.

The spokesperson said that cumulative fines amounting to Rs 1.378 million were imposed during the Eid operation.

Special checking operations were conducted at recreational sites in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad and Lahore. Joint teams of the Food Safety department and Forest department visited 22 recreational locations and issued 16 corrective notices to food points operating at parks and tourist attractions.

During inspections, authorities recovered a large quantity of expired and poor-quality food products, including snacks and beverages, which were immediately discarded. The spokesperson said a significant quantity of expired food and drinks was destroyed during Eid operations at recreational spots.

In Lahore, inspection teams checked 42 locations including Shalimar Gardens, Jahangir’s Tomb, Safari Zoo and Lahore Zoo. Officials of the Food Authority and Forest department imposed fines worth Rs 91,000 over the sale of expired items and other violations.

In Bahawalpur, joint inspection teams visited Lal Sohanra Park and the zoo, conducting 21 inspections. Fines amounting to Rs 20,000 were imposed for unhygienic conditions and violations of food safety laws.

Similarly, surprise inspections were conducted at the Zoological Garden in Dera Ghazi Khan, where authorities imposed fines of Rs15,000 over poor hygiene and mismanagement.

In Faisalabad, the Food Safety and Forest departments carried out a joint operation at Gatwala Wildlife Park. Authorities imposed fines worth Rs 17,000 on vendors for selling expired beverages and substandard snacks.

The Food Safety spokesperson reiterated that strict monitoring would continue to ensure the availability of safe and quality food items at public places across Punjab.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026