QUETTA: The Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) has intensified its ongoing crackdown against substandard and unhygienic bakery products for a second consecutive day, targeting numerous establishments in Quetta and Sibi. The extensive operation led to the inspection of 62 bakeries and baking units, revealing widespread violations of food safety protocols.
During the inspections, BFA officials discovered alarming conditions, including poor hygiene practices, the use of expired raw materials, and the operation of rusted machinery. These violations contributed to the production of low-quality and potentially hazardous bakery goods. In a decisive response to these serious infractions, the authority sealed four bakeries and imposed fines on 24 others for flouting food safety regulations. A further 18 bakeries were served with improvement notices for minor deficiencies and were instructed to promptly comply with mandated hygiene and safety standards. The inspection teams also conducted on-the-spot confiscations of large quantities of expired ingredients, harmful non-food-grade colors, and substandard bakery items.
Director General of the BFA, Waqar Khursheed Alam, stated that the drive is being conducted under the special directives of the Provincial Minister and BFA Chairman. He confirmed that all zonal teams have been instructed to rigorously enforce a zero-tolerance policy against substandard food items. “No compromise will be made on public health,” DG Alam emphasized, adding that BFA teams remain active across the province to eliminate the supply of unhygienic and unsafe bakery products. He reiterated the BFA’s strict “zero-tolerance” policy towards practices that endanger public health.
The DG also issued a public appeal, urging citizens to be vigilant and to purchase only quality and safe bakery goods. He encouraged the public to report any complaints or observed violations directly to the BFA, assuring that prompt action would be taken against those found endangering public health. This campaign highlights the authority’s continued commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring that food businesses adhere to strict safety standards.
