Latest news with #PunjabOmbudsman'sOffice
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab Ombudsman takes action against overpriced, unsafe food items
LAHORE: The Punjab Ombudsman's Office has taken swift action on public complaints and initiated effective measures against those involved in the sale of overpriced, substandard, and harmful food items across the province. The Office of the Punjab Ombudsman directed that the action be taken after inspections and on-site verification of facts in various cities and regions. During the operations carried out by the price control magistrates and the officials of Punjab Food Authority, the prices and quality of daily-use items such as chicken, fish, meat, milk, eggs, cooking oil, beverages, and fried foods were thoroughly examined on the directions of Punjab Ombudsman. Violations of fixed prices and the sale of low-quality products were observed at multiple locations. In response, substantial fines were imposed. So far, fines to the tune of Rs.600,000 have been imposed. Additionally, strict action was taken against hotels and restaurants for poor hygiene and the provision of unsafe food. Fines were also imposed where environmental pollution and unacceptable cleanliness conditions were found. According to the spokesperson, the objective of these actions is to ensure the availability of safe, high-quality, and fairly priced food items for citizens. The Ombudsman directed that a zero-tolerance policy be strictly enforced against overpricing, adulteration, and the sale of substandard goods. These prompt and effective measures have been appreciated at the public level, and complainants have expressed gratitude to the Ombudsman's Office for acting swiftly on their requests, resulting in the immediate resolution of public issues. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Ombudsman orders food price inspections
Responding to public complaints regarding profiteering, violation of official price lists and sale of substandard food items, the Punjab Ombudsman has ordered inspections and immediate action in various districts to safeguard consumer rights and ensure fair market practices. On the ombudsman's directives, price control magistrates and Punjab Food Authority officials carried out joint inspections in markets and food outlets, reviewing the quality and pricing of essential items, including chicken, fish, meat, milk, eggs, cooking oil, beverages and fried foods. Several instances of overpricing and the sale of unhygienic and unsafe items were uncovered during the inspections. As a result, fines exceeding Rs600,000 have been imposed on violators. In addition, numerous hotels and restaurants were penalised for poor hygiene, unsafe food handling and unacceptable environmental conditions. The authorities took strict action against all outlets found breaching health and safety standards. A spokesperson for the Punjab Ombudsman's Office said the actions were part of an initiative to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic and fairly priced food. The ombudsman reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against overpricing, adulteration and negligence, directing the officials concerned that the inspections and enforcement drives continue without interruption.
