Punjab Food Authority Cracks Down on Counterfeit Cold-Drink Factory — Two Arrested in Lahore

By M.Shahzad

LAHORE (Pakistan): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has unearthed a large-scale counterfeit beverage production unit near Faizpur Interchange, arresting two suspects and registering two FIRs under the Chief Minister’s Adulteration-Free Punjab Mission.

During the raid, the PFA enforcement team seized 25,800 liters of fake cold drinks, 1,150 liters of adulterated syrup, and 200 PET bottles, while also destroying 2,700 bottles, 120 kg of caps, 150 kg of labels, and 450 kg of synthetic flavoring used in the production process. Equipment including filling machines, cooking vessels, pumps, coolers, weighing scales, and storage drums were also confiscated.

PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid said the illegal unit was manufacturing counterfeit beverages of popular brands without any approved formula or hygiene standards. He described the facility as unhygienic — with open drains, fungus-infested drums, dirty walls, and broken floors — and said that the factory had been operating secretly without a valid PFA license.

The DG added that the factory was traced through intelligence-based surveillance, and immediate action was taken. He warned that consumption of such fake beverages can lead to serious kidney and liver damage, emphasizing that strict enforcement and zero tolerance would continue across Punjab.

“Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the PFA is committed to ensuring safe and quality food for every citizen,” Javaid affirmed, noting that strong legal action has been initiated against those involved in food adulteration and forgery.