Lahore: The Punjab Food Department has escalated its efforts to monitor the quality and prices of flour throughout the province, focusing on ensuring compliance with set price directives and maintaining standard product quality. The initiative follows directives from the provincial government and aims to stabilize flour prices and prevent overcharging.

According to Punjab Food Department, Secretary Food Punjab, Ehsan Bhutta, reported that prices for 667 different flour brands, available in 10 and 20 kilogram packages, were checked across various divisions within the province. The checks were conducted in Lahore Division (110 brands), Rawalpindi (139 brands), Gujrat (100 brands), Faisalabad (79 brands), and Sargodha (32 brands). Additional monitoring took place in Multan Division (70 brands), Sahiwal (34 brands), DG Khan (36 brands), and Bahawalpur (67 brands).

Ehsan Bhutta further clarified that, in line with the orders from the Punjab Chief Minister, flour is being sold at government-fixed prices in all districts. To date, there have been no reports of flour being sold at inflated prices. However, Bhutta emphasized that should any instances of overpricing be discovered, the responsible District Food Controller will face accountability measures to address the discrepancy.

This monitoring endeavor by the Punjab Food Department underscores a significant step towards safeguarding consumer interests and regulating essential food prices within the province.