Food and Medicine Safety in Pakistan
Reviewed by the Commoner Law editorial team. Sources: pakistancode.gov.pk, Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan provincial codes, Supreme Court of Pakistan, FBR, EOBI, SBP, NEPRA, OGRA, PMDC, FIA, and provincial Healthcare Commissions. Provincial variations cite Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan Acts and ICT-specific ordinances. Written in plain English with everyday Urdu legal terms (FIR, qabza, khula, NTN, CNIC) for a general audience — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Call 1223. That is the Punjab Food Authority helpline, and the Sindh Food Authority uses the same number. An inspector typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours, and PFA inspectors have made a name for sealing premises the same day when they find serious adulteration.
Food safety enforcement in Pakistan was transformed by the Punjab Food Authority created under the 2011 Act, then Sindh and KP. PFA only really entered public consciousness from June 2015 onwards, under the famously hands-on Director of Operations Ayesha Mumtaz, whose televised raids on Lahore's better-known restaurants set the template. PFA is now established for sealing restaurants, banning brands, and imposing fines. Sometimes overzealous, but on the whole consumer protection has improved.
- For adulteration / unhygienic food: PFA helpline 1223; SFA helpline 1223; KP Food Authority helpline. They send inspectors within 24–48 hours.
- For food poisoning: get medical examination at a government hospital + complaint to Food Authority. The medical record is your evidence; FIR under PPC § 273 (food adulteration causing harm) supplements.
- For fake medicine / wrong drug: DRAP complaint at drap.gov.pk. DRAP itself was created by the 2012 Drug Act after the Punjab Institute of Cardiology disaster of January 2012, where contaminated Isotab tablets killed roughly 125 cardiac patients in Lahore. DRAP can recall product, blacklist manufacturer, prosecute.
- For pharmacy issues (price gouging, non-registered drugs): provincial Drug Inspector + DRAP.
The Pure Food Ordinance 1960 makes adulteration of food a criminal offence. The Food Authority Acts add specific provincial penalties (up to Rs 1 million fine; closure of establishment).
When does it apply?
- You suspect food adulteration, contamination, or unhygienic preparation.
- You've been sold a fake or substandard medicine.
- You've been overcharged on essential medicines beyond MRP.
What to do for unsafe food or medicine
- Document the issue: photos, packaging, receipts, batch numbers, medical reports if illness.
- For food: call PFA/SFA/KPFA helpline. They send inspectors. Keep a sample if possible (sealed, labelled).
- For medicine: file at DRAP with batch number, packaging, purchase receipt. DRAP investigates manufacturer.
- For severe consequences (hospitalisation, death): FIR under PPC §§ 272–276 + complaint to Food Authority + civil suit for damages.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't dispose of evidence. Keep contaminated food, expired medicine packaging, and receipts until investigation completes.
- Don't accept "internal compensation" from the seller in a way that requires withdrawing complaint. Public-health enforcement is the broader benefit.
- Don't buy medicines from unregistered pharmacies or street vendors.
Frequently asked questions
Can PFA seal a restaurant the same day?
Yes — PFA inspectors have power to seal premises immediately on finding serious adulteration or unhygienic conditions. Punjab and Sindh inspectors regularly seal high-profile establishments.
Are pharmacies allowed to charge above MRP?
No. MRP is the maximum retail price under DRAP rules. Overcharging is a punishable offence. Report to DRAP with receipt.
What if I bought fake medicine?
DRAP investigates and can recall product. Manufacturers face up to 10 years' imprisonment under the DRAP Act. Keep packaging and pharmacy receipt as evidence.
When does food and medicine safety apply?
You suspect food adulteration, contamination, or unhygienic preparation.You've been sold a fake or substandard medicine.You've been overcharged on essential medicines beyond MRP.
I got food poisoning at a restaurant — what do I do in Pakistan?
Document the issue: photos, packaging, receipts, batch numbers, medical reports if illness.For food: call PFA/SFA/KPFA helpline. They send inspectors. Keep a sample if possible (sealed, labelled).For medicine: file at DRAP with batch number, packaging, purchase receipt. DRAP investigates manufacturer.For severe consequences (hospitalisation, death): FIR under PPC §§ 272–276 + complaint to Food Authority + civil suit for damages.
What mistakes should I avoid with food and medicine safety?
Don't dispose of evidence. Keep contaminated food, expired medicine packaging, and receipts until investigation completes.Don't accept "internal compensation" from the seller in a way that requires withdrawing complaint. Public-health enforcement is the broader benefit.Don't buy medicines from unregistered pharmacies or street vendors.