LAHORE, Nov 13: The Office of the Punjab Ombudsman has launched a province-wide crackdown against overpricing, substandard food, and hygiene violations, resulting in fines exceeding Rs 8.6 million.
In response to public complaints, the Ombudsman directed field inspections and on-site fact-checking in various cities across Punjab. The operations were carried out by price control magistrates in collaboration with the Punjab Food Authority, targeting businesses violating official price lists and food safety standards.
Inspectors examined the pricing and quality of essential food items such as chicken, fish, meat, milk, eggs, cooking oil, beverages, and fried foods. Raids also extended to hotels and restaurants, many of which were fined for poor hygiene and serving unsafe food.
Beyond food safety, penalties were also imposed on transporters using illegal gas cylinders in buses and wagons, and on businesses contributing to environmental pollution or maintaining unsanitary conditions.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Ombudsman’s Office stated that these enforcement actions reflect the Ombudsman’s commitment to ensuring public access to safe, quality, and fairly priced food. The office reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against profiteering, adulteration, and neglect of public health and safety.
