The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has announced a significant enhancement to the security of its food inspectors during operational raids by inducting bodybuilders, wrestlers, and former Special Service Group (SSG) commandos. This move includes the recruitment of 40 former SSG commandos and 14 wrestlers to accompany the inspectors.
The decision to bolster the safety measures for these field operations comes in response to an increase in hostile incidents. PFA officials were frequently taken hostage by restaurant and food factory operators resisting compliance checks. This alarming trend prompted the authority to reassess and strengthen the security protocols to ensure the safety of their teams.
According to the PFA spokesperson, the former SSG commandos will now accompany the Director General and other directors during field operations. This strategic deployment aims to deter aggression and ensure that inspections can be conducted without interference.
The spokesperson further highlighted that the PFA’s field teams have faced numerous challenges, including targeted attacks and torture, while performing their duties in the past. Integrating highly trained and physically capable personnel is seen as a critical measure to protect inspectors from such threats and maintain the integrity of the food safety enforcement process.