Beware as 3,000kg of expired food materials busted at Lahore factory

Expired and contaminated ingredients discovered

The licence of Salwa Factory in Mehalan Wali, Lahore, has been cancelled following an inspection that revealed serious food safety violations. Officials reportedly found expired raw materials, fungus-contaminated pulp and foul-smelling ingredients used to make ketchup, mayonnaise, biscuits and chutneys.

Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Minister Salma Butt shared details of the inspection on social media. According to her statement, the factory was found using ingredients that could make its food products unsafe for consumers.

Unsafe mayonnaise and poor hygiene raise concerns

Inspectors reportedly found a large quantity of expired sweetener and pulp contaminated with fungus. They also discovered a frozen egg mixture considered hazardous to health and an unsafe mayonnaise mixture.

The minister said the factory had failed to follow basic hygiene rules and food safety standard operating procedures (SOPs). Authorities cancelled its licence over the reported violations, although the supplied information does not state whether the factory can appeal or seek a new licence.

Punjab steps up action against unsafe food

The action is part of wider efforts by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) to stop the production and sale of unsafe food. In March 2026, the authority sealed an illegal ketchup and mayonnaise unit in Mian Mubarak Town after tests found its products to be below standard.

Officials destroyed 5,000kg of ketchup and mayonnaise valued at Rs2.5 million at that facility. They also found non-food-grade ingredients and ketchup stored in dirty, rusted containers.

Food safety rules and consumer protection

Punjab’s food safety rules require manufacturers to keep their premises clean, use safe ingredients and prevent contamination during production. Businesses must also follow licensing conditions and other food safety requirements.

A cancelled or suspended licence generally prevents a business from operating under that licence unless the relevant order is withdrawn or the business obtains the required approval under applicable rules. The case highlights the role of inspections in identifying unsafe practices before they can put consumers at risk.

The findings reported at Salwa Factory raise concerns about hygiene and the quality of ingredients used in everyday food products. Regular inspections and strict action can help protect consumers, but manufacturers must also follow safety rules at every stage of production.

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