Punjab Food Authority has uncovered a major illegal oil production unit near Rohi Nullah Sabzi Mandi in Lahore. Officials destroyed over 33,000 kilograms of animal fat and offal during the operation.
The raid was conducted on the instructions of PFA Director General Syed Musa Raza. Additional Director Lahore Khawaja Umair led the food safety operation against the illegal factory.
According to officials, the unit was secretly producing cooking oil from animal waste in highly unhygienic conditions. Food safety teams also recovered 5,000 liters of contaminated oil prepared from animal fat.
Authorities registered an FIR against the suspects and arrested two people involved in food forgery and food safety violations. Officials said the factory had no valid food license or oil production records.
The Punjab Food Authority revealed that animal fat and offal were stored inside dirty blue drums. The contaminated oil was reportedly extracted in an open area without proper hygiene measures.
Officials also stated that the legally required methylene blue dye was not added to the extracted oil. This raised serious health concerns regarding fake cooking oil production in Lahore.
Director General Syed Musa Raza said oil produced from animal waste is only allowed for biodiesel production and cannot be used for human consumption. He warned that strict action would continue against food adulteration in Punjab.
The latest crackdown has increased public concern over fake edible oil and unsafe food products in Pakistan. Citizens are being advised to purchase cooking oil only from trusted and registered brands.