Balochistan Food Authority Cracks Down on Substandard Food, Fines 18 Units, Seals Water Plant

QUETTA – The Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) has intensified its province-wide crackdown on the production and sale of substandard food, imposing fines on 18 food units, issuing corrective notices to 20 establishments, and sealing one water purification plant over multiple violations.

According to a BFA spokesperson, inspection teams conducted raids across various districts, targeting bakeries, restaurants, general stores, snack manufacturing units, milk shops, and other food businesses. The inspections revealed widespread violations including poor hygiene arrangements, non-compliance with food safety laws, unregistered operations, use of harmful food colors, and banned Chinese salt.

Major Operations Across Quetta

On Sumanjli Road and Sabzal Road, the BFA Food Safety Team fined four units and sealed a water purification plant due to the lack of protective gear for workers, poor waste management, and absence of BFA registration.

Two restaurants were fined for poor sanitation, presence of washrooms in processing areas, use of banned Chinese salt, and faulty refrigeration. One baking unit and another food business were also penalized for violating food safety regulations.

On Eastern Bypass and Sariab Road, authorities fined two papad/snack manufacturing units for poor hygiene, lack of personal cleanliness among workers, open garbage bins, absence of manufacturing and expiry dates on products, use of harmful food colors, presence of insects, improper labeling, and storing finished products in open environments.

Crackdown on Adulterated Milk

In Quetta’s Killi Almas and Satellite Town areas, milk safety teams inspected various milk shops to test milk quality. One milk vendor was fined while five establishments received corrective notices. During on-site testing of milk and yogurt samples, one shop was found mixing skimmed milk powder and excessive water into milk, leading to immediate action.

Operations in Turbat, Dhadhar, and Hub

In Turbat, on Jusak Road, four general stores and one restaurant owner were fined, while four establishments received corrective notices. Seized items included expired spices, custard powder, cakes, juices, snacks, and yogurt, which were destroyed on the spot.

In Dhadhar’s Rind Ali Market and other areas, action was taken against businesses operating without food licenses. Several bakeries and general store owners were fined for operating without licenses and selling substandard food.

In Hub, one restaurant and a biryani center were fined for poor cleanliness, improper storage of raw materials, inadequate refrigeration, and use of harmful food colors and banned Chinese salt in biryani.

BFA’s Commitment to Public Health

The BFA spokesperson reiterated the authority’s commitment to ensuring safe and quality food for the public, warning that strict action would continue against those violating food safety laws. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and enforce compliance across the province.