The Punjab Food Authority has sealed a newly opened Hardee’s outlet at the Sukheki Motorway Service Area after a surprise inspection uncovered serious food safety violations.
The action took place under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Safe Food” initiative. The drive targets restaurants and other food businesses that fail to meet required health and hygiene standards.
Inspectors Find Unsafe Water and Rotten Vegetables
PFA inspectors said the restaurant used completely unfiltered water through an unhygienic and non-compliant reverse osmosis system. They warned that unsafe water can create major risks during food preparation, cleaning and beverage service.
The inspection team also recovered rotten vegetables from the kitchen. Officials found other food materials stored under improper conditions. They also discovered sauces and condiments without date labels.
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Punjab’s food rules require date markings on sauces and several other packaged food products. The rules also require storage instructions when storage conditions affect a product’s safety or shelf life.
Inspectors recorded poor sanitation in the kitchen and storage areas. PFA officials described the outlet’s overall hygiene conditions as unsatisfactory and ordered immediate corrective measures.
Outlet Closed Until Deficiencies Are Removed
The authority sealed the Hardee’s branch immediately and imposed what officials described as a heavy fine. The available reports did not disclose the exact amount.
Authorities said the outlet would remain closed until management corrected every identified deficiency. These include problems involving water filtration, food storage, sanitation and general kitchen hygiene.
PFA will conduct another inspection before allowing the restaurant to resume operations. The outlet must secure official clearance after demonstrating full compliance with food safety requirements.
“Protecting consumers remains its highest priority,” the authority said. It also warned that strict enforcement would continue against businesses violating provincial food regulations.
The authority urged restaurant operators to maintain clean food preparation areas. It also called for safe storage, properly dated ingredients and compliant filtration systems.
Motorway Restaurants Face Closer Scrutiny
The Sukheki outlet operates at the North Service Area on the M-2 motorway between Lahore and Islamabad. Hardee’s Pakistan promoted the new branch as part of its expansion along major travel routes earlier in 2026.
The closure carries added significance because motorway service areas serve large numbers of travellers each day. Customers often have limited food choices during long journeys, which increases the importance of consistent safety checks.
PFA has previously conducted inspection drives at motorway and highway service areas. The authority says such campaigns aim to improve food quality and protect travellers from unsafe meals and contaminated water.
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The case also highlights the operational risks facing food chains that expand quickly. New outlets must meet the same water, storage, labelling and hygiene standards as established branches before serving customers.
PFA said it would continue checking restaurants and other food businesses across Punjab. It warned that violators could face fines, temporary closures and further enforcement action until they meet the required standards.
