Illegal warehouse sealed over counterfeit beverages, unsafe storage

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Food Authority on Monday sealed an illegal warehouse in a residential area of the state capital during a crackdown on food safety violations. 

The raid was carried out by a Food Authority team following a tip-off and surveillance, leading to the recovery of a large quantity of counterfeit soft drinks resembling well-known brands, along with other food items. 

Officials said the warehouse had been operating unlawfully in the Gojra locality without the mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC). 

During the inspection, authorities found that beverages and other food products were being stored in direct sunlight and under extremely high temperatures, in violation of the Pure Food Regulations 2019. 

Officials warned that such improper storage conditions could seriously compromise food quality and pose health risks to consumers. 

The inspection team also found that the operators failed to produce authorised distribution documents and mandatory quality compliance reports for the multi-brand products stocked at the facility. 

The Food Authority said legal action had been initiated against those responsible and vowed to intensify operations against counterfeit, unsafe and substandard food items across the district under its zero-tolerance policy on food safety violations.

Tariq Naqash