The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Sunday sealed six substandard pickle manufacturing units in a province-wide crackdown. During the operation, the provincial food regulatory also sealed a jam unit. Moreover, 25 food business operators were charged with heavy fines in different cities of Punjab. As many as 51 manufacturing units were issued improvement notices, said PFA DG Muhammad Usman. The authority inspected 56 units in Lahore, 17 in Rawalpindi, 22 in Multan and 14 units in Muzaffargarh. Muhammad Usman said that PFA closed the sites for using rotten fruits and vegetables in the preparation of pickle. Moreover, hazardous chemicals and flavours were being used to eliminate the taste of fungus that is harmful for users. Meanwhile, the PFA has warned all food business operators who are associated with the business to ensure the quality of their food products as per the standards of PFA regulations. The director general said that citizens should purchase products from a trustworthy place and use home-made pickle. The Punjab Food Authority is fully committed to ensuring the provision of hygiene and quality food in Punjab, he added. Published in Daily Times, December 10th 2018.