LAHORE – Pakistani local bakeries often face scrutiny for selling sub-standard items, with many consumers still relying on them due to the big price gap compared to top brands. However, this time the controversy goes beyond quality concerns, as expired jam has been sold at Cakes & Bakes outlet in DHA, raising questions over food safety and customer service standards.
The controversy erupted in Lahore after customer accused Cakes & Bakes outlet in DHA of allegedly selling an expired food product, triggering public outrage and renewed debate over food safety standards and customer service practices at one of the city’s well-known bakery chains.
According to complainant, he purchased a jar of jam in April 2026, only to later discover that it had allegedly expired in February 2026. The claim raised alarming questions about product monitoring and shelf management at the outlet.
The situation escalated when the customer returned to store to file complaint. He alleges that staff responded in an uncooperative and unprofessional manner, demanding proof of purchase in the form of an invoice, denying that the product originated from their branch, and saying that CCTV footage could not be provided for verification.
Tensions intensified when, according to the customer, the branch management told him to pursue legal action if he was dissatisfied with their response. The confrontation reportedly reached a peak when the angry customer smashed the jam at outlet floor in frustration, and the clip sparked widespread discussion about service accountability and consumer rights in Pakistan.
This incident also reignited a wave of earlier online allegations and criticism directed at Cakes & Bakes. Over time, social media platforms hosted multiple claims from customers raising concerns about hygiene and food handling practices. Some viral posts alleged disturbing incidents, including claims of unhygienic conditions in food preparation areas.
‘Rat inside Halwa Box’
میں مانتا ہی نہیں ہوں کہ ایک زندہ چوہا پیک کر کے کیک میں ڈال دیا۔
Cakes N Bakes بیکر مجھے بہت پسند ہے، اس معاملے کی بھرپور جان پڑتال ہونی چاہئیے۔
اگر چوہا واقعی تھا تو اس کو فوراً سیل کریں ورنہ اس خاتون کو قانون کے شکنجے میں لا کھڑا کریں۔۔ pic.twitter.com/lss7d87A3L— Momin Mukhtar (@Momin_Speaks) April 27, 2026
Additional complaints circulating online pointed to issues such as staff reportedly not following proper hygiene protocols, including inconsistent use of gloves while handling food items.
Beyond hygiene-related concerns, customers have also frequently expressed frustration over customer service experiences. Complaints include difficulties in returning or exchanging products immediately after purchase, even in cases involving minor issues. Some reviewers have described staff behavior as rude or unhelpful, while others have said that complaints such as food quality issues were not properly resolved at the branch level.
The bakery is yet to respond to the online allegations.
