Punjab’s Food Authority has sealed a motor‑way rest‑area mart after a wave of complaints from travelers and local residents. The closure follows an investigation that uncovered a pattern of overcharging and the sale of counterfeit, expired and sub‑standard food items. According to officials, products that normally cost around Rs 50 were being sold for as much as Rs 150, a price hike that many customers found unacceptable.
The investigation began after several motorists lodged formal complaints with the Punjab Food Authority (PFA). Inspectors visited the store, examined its inventory and found a number of items that did not meet the safety and quality standards set by the authority. In addition to the price discrepancies, the PFA noted that some products were past their expiry dates and that a number of items were clearly counterfeit, bearing fake labels and packaging.
Under the Food Safety Act, the PFA is empowered to shut down any establishment that violates food‑safety regulations or engages in deceptive commercial practices. The authority’s decision to seal the mart was taken in accordance with these provisions, and the store’s owners were notified that they would be required to rectify the violations before any reopening could be considered. The closure is intended to protect consumers from potential health risks and to deter similar practices in other rest‑area shops.
Travelers on the motorway are advised to seek alternative food outlets and to report any suspicious pricing or product quality issues to the PFA. The authority has also announced that it will conduct a follow‑up inspection in the coming weeks to ensure that the closure is enforced and that no other violations are occurring in the vicinity. The incident highlights the ongoing need for stricter oversight of roadside vendors, where consumers often have limited options and are vulnerable to price manipulation.