LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority got a first information report lodged against the owner of a marquee at Johar Town when its management served unhygienic food to nearly 360 guests at a wedding ceremony.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday and there were reports that all the guests were shifted to various hospitals of the city when they complained of vomiting.

It was said that most were taken to the private hospitals while over a 100 others to the two government hospitals where condition of nearly nine was stated to be serious.

The women and children were also among them.

In the FIR lodged on the complaint of food safety officer Arif, it was alleged that unhygienic food was served to 360 guests.

He said the marquee was owned by Sheikh Mohammad Javed and his department was informed by a guest.

Following the complaint, he said the teams dispatched to the site inspected the venue, food and surroundings where it was cooked.

He said his department decided to nominate the owner following the violation of the standards set for maintaining hygienic requirements.

He said the affected guests were taken to the Lahore University Hospital, Lahore General Hospital and Raiwind Indus Hospital.

A police official said nearly 350 guests were attending wedding reception at the marquee at Johar Town and all of them were affected by severe food poisoning.

He said a Khayaban-i-Amin resident, Sarfraz, had booked the marquee for his wedding ceremony.

Soon after having the food, he said, the guests began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.

Some one called the Rescue 1122 and some ambulances rushed to the site shifted several guests to the nearby hospitals.

The police official said three dozen guests were admitted to Raiwind Indus Hospital, and some others to another private health facility.

He said Sarfraz accused the marquee management of serving poor quality food to his guests.

He said a joint inquiry has been launched by the police and food authorities to dig out facts.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2025