KP Food Authority Conducts Raids in Charsadda, Nowshera, and Swat; large quantity of substandard food seized, unit sealed: Food Authority Officials

KP Food Authority Conducts Raids in Charsadda, Nowshera, and Swat; large quantity of substandard food seized, unit sealed: Food Authority Officials

On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety & Halal Food Authority (KPFS&HFA) continues its province-wide crackdown against the production and sale of substandard and harmful food items. According to the Authority’s spokesperson, food safety teams carried out operations in Charsadda, Nowshera, and Swat, during which over 1,000 kilograms of substandard ketchup, 868 packets of counterfeit spices, and 100 cartons of substandard juice were seized and taken into government custody.

Sharing further details, the spokesperson stated that acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted on a ketchup manufacturing unit in Charsadda. The unit was found producing ketchup using harmful chemicals instead of tomato paste. More than 1,000 kilograms of the substandard product was confiscated and destroyed on the spot, while the factory was sealed.
In a separate operation in the Kabal area of Swat, a wholesale outlet was inspected where 868 packets of counterfeit spices and fake dessert mix were recovered and seized.
Meanwhile, in the Jehangira area of Nowshera, the food safety team inspected a warehouse where 100 cartons of harmful juice were recovered. The juice was being produced using harmful colors, artificial flavors, and saccharin in violation of food safety standards. The entire stock was confiscated.
The spokesperson further informed that heavy fines were imposed on the owners involved, and further legal proceedings under the KP Food Safety Act have been initiated.
Director General KP Food Authority Wasif Saeed, appreciated the successful operations of the food safety teams and stated that strict legal action would be taken against all businesses involved in the preparation and distribution of harmful food products. He added that such operations will be intensified in the coming days.
KP Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru, reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure food safety across the province, stating that there will be zero tolerance for those who compromise public health.