The Lahore High Court has observed that the Punjab Food Authority does not have the legal authority to seal grocery stores solely on the basis of finding adulterated (milawat-shuda) food items during inspections. The remarks were made during the hearing of a petition filed against the sealing of a general store in Sheikhupura, raising important questions about the legal limits of the authority’s enforcement powers.
During the proceedings, the court noted that while the Punjab Food Authority is empowered to initiate legal action against businesses found violating food safety laws, sealing a store is not among the powers granted to it under the relevant legislation. The court further remarked that the store should be de-sealed and indicated that appropriate orders would be issued if the matter is not addressed accordingly.
The case has attracted attention as it highlights the balance between enforcing food safety regulations and ensuring that regulatory bodies operate strictly within the legal framework. The Lahore High Court has reserved its verdict on the petition, and a final decision is expected after further legal consideration.
