Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has launched a state-of-the-art Street Food Safety Program aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic food for citizens at the grassroots level.
The initiative introduces a structured inspection system for street food stalls, carts, dhabas, roadside vendors, and small eateries across the province.
The program was formally inaugurated at Barkat Market in Lahore, jointly led by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab, Salma Butt, and PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javed. On the occasion, 238 small food outlets in 24 major markets of Lahore were inspected, and free food safety kits were distributed among vendors.
Special Assistant Salma Butt said that so far, 867 food handlers have been trained in food safety practices, while 477 have undergone medical screening. She added that the campaign has initially been launched in 24 key markets of Lahore, including Neela Gumbad, Jail Road, Mall Road, Liberty Market, Shadman, Karim Block, Model Town Link Road, Faisal Town, Gulshan Ravi, Choburji, Hall Road, and Lahore Fort areas. The program will be expanded across Punjab in the coming phases.
PFA DG Muhammad Asim Javed said the campaign aims to improve the quality, hygiene, and safety of food sold at local stalls and carts. He said that free hygiene training, medical screening, and food safety kits are being provided to small-scale food handlers to promote compliance with health standards.
He further stated that a special low-cost licensing system has been designed for small food businesses to encourage their inclusion in the formal food sector. All food-related businesses will be required to obtain valid licenses, with guidelines issued to ensure food is prepared and served in accordance with safety regulations.
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Additionally, awareness campaigns are being conducted through multiple platforms, targeting consumers, parents, and food handlers to promote food safety and nutrition. Under the School Nutrition Program (Phase-II), he noted, 10,000 children are being provided with freshly prepared nutritious meals daily, each containing 480 calories and developed under the supervision of nutrition experts.
The DG reaffirmed PFA’s commitment to reforming the food business sector and ensuring the provision of safe, hygienic, and quality food to the public. He said continuous inspections and monitoring will be carried out to uphold standards across markets throughout Punjab.
