PFA eliminates massive stock of dead chicken

Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted a major crackdown on unsafe and adulterated food, seizing large quantities of contaminated products and taking strict legal action against violators.

“Dead chicken” refers to poultry that has died before slaughtering, was improperly stored, or has exceeded its expiry date. Unlike fresh chicken, it is unsafe for human consumption and can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli, which may cause food poisoning, infections, and serious health risks.

Despite strict regulations, dead chicken continues to appear in illegal markets due to multiple reasons. Some sellers prioritize profit, selling dead poultry at lower prices. Weak enforcement in certain areas allows unsafe products to slip through, while supply chain negligence, including poor handling, storage, and transportation, further increases the risk. Additionally, many consumers remain unaware of how to identify unhealthy chicken, which allows the practice to persist.

Recent PFA inspections indicate that dead chicken is mostly sold in wholesale markets, local poultry shops, and informal street markets. High-risk areas include major cities in all provinces: Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan in Punjab; Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur in Sindh; Peshawar, Mardan, and Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; and Quetta and surrounding regions in Balochistan.

Authorities have urged consumers to remain vigilant and avoid buying poultry from unverified sources. They recommend checking for freshness, proper storage, and hygiene standards before purchase. PFA and provincial food authorities continue to conduct regular inspections, impose fines, seal non-compliant shops, and take legal action against violators.

With ongoing enforcement and public awareness campaigns, the authorities aim to protect public health, ensure the sale of safe poultry, and eliminate the circulation of dead and contaminated chicken across the country.