LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has confiscated 31,885 boxes of a well-known betel nut (supari) brand from markets across the province after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of aflatoxin beyond permissible limits, posing serious health risks. The crackdown was carried out on the directions of Director General PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid and under instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Officials said the action was taken in the larger public interest to safeguard consumers. According to the PFA, food safety teams launched a province-wide operation and removed the entire stock from the supply chain, including distributors, wholesalers, warehouses, supermarkets and retail outlets. The product was lifted from 1,158 distributors, wholesalers, godowns and small and large stores. The DG said the hazardous betel nut was manufactured in Karachi and recommendations have been forwarded for legal proceedings against those responsible. Muhammad Asim Javaid stated that aflatoxin is highly toxic to the liver and is considered a major carcinogenic compound. “The presence of aflatoxin beyond the prescribed limits constitutes a serious public health threat,” he said, adding that strict monitoring of food products — both small- and large-scale — is being ensured on the instructions of the chief secretary Punjab. He warned that businesses involved in manufacturing or selling substandard food items in violation of food safety standards would face closure. “No one is above the law. Protection of public health remains our foremost priority,” he asserted. The DG urged food business operators to strictly comply with food safety laws and quality standards, and advised parents to ensure the provision of healthy and safe food items for their children. Separately, a high-level coordination meeting was held at the PFA headquarters to advance the implementation of a science- and technology-driven food safety regime in line with the provincial government’s policy framework. Director General of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA), Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, visited the PFA office and held detailed discussions with the DG PFA. The visiting delegation was briefed on enforcement operations, key initiatives across Punjab, and administrative and operational matters. The delegation also toured PFA’s state-of-the-art food testing laboratory. Both institutions agreed to enhance coordination and joint planning to further strengthen food regulation and curb adulteration in the province. DG PFA highlighted initiatives including the School Nutrition Program, Healthy Women Campaign, and free food safety training programmes for women. A comprehensive briefing was also provided on the PFA Act, the Punjab Pure Food Rules, the regulatory framework, the field operations mechanism, laboratory operations, and licensing procedures. The DG claimed that performance during the current two-year tenure has doubled that of the previous five years, particularly in sampling, inspections, and enforcement actions. He reiterated that scientific decision-making, digital monitoring, and effective interdepartmental coordination are essential to ensuring safe and quality food for citizens across Punjab. Dr Pasha appreciated PFA’s initiatives for children and women and described the Authority’s performance during the current government’s tenure as commendable. He said enhanced institutional coordination would help eliminate food adulteration and counterfeiting across the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026