LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority on Monday detected a factory where the owner and his workers were preparing fake turmeric and other spices to be supplied in bulk to Akbari Mandi wholesale market.

The sudden inspection was sche duled by PFA operation director Ms Ayesha Mumtaz after her Ravi Town team informed her about the factory where the workers were busy grinding and packing a mixture of wood dust (boraada) to be sold as turmeric.

When Ms Mumtaz reached the `factory`, the PFA Ravi Town food safety officer and assistant food safety officers wereinspecting the seized turmeric samples.

Sheikh Siddique who claimed to be `sleeping partner` in the factory first claimed the `turmeric` was not fake and was imported from Burma called `Burma Haldi`. On being grilled further and asked about import documents, he started changing his stance and claimed it was produced at Changa Manga. Later, he claimed the factory was just grinding it for a client who brought the spice.

L ater, Malik Akram, the factory owner, stated he brought this from Akbari Mandi from one of his relatives, Malik Nasir, a dealer in the market.

AccordingtoMsMumtaz, Malik Nasir runs manysuch `factories` in the city and had secured a bail after being booked by PFA.

The team seized around 70 bags (each weighing 35kg) and dispatched them to PFA head office.

Ms Mumtaz also ordered her staff to get an FIR registered against the factory owners, besides sealing the premises.

PFA teams sealed an ice cream production unit of Doce Food at Quaid-i-Azam Industrial Estate, Roshan MurghChanayinTownship, Amratsari Hotel in Barkat Market, Haji Baba restaurant in Gulshan-i-Ravi.

Heavy fines were imposed on Ziafat and Chandni restaurants, Aslam Daal Chawal, Haidri Naan Shop and Rafique Confectioners near Mochi Gate.