Patna: Bihar’s Health Minister Nishant has directed officials to intensify food safety inspections across the state, with 531 food establishments inspected during a special enforcement drive. The inspections focused on food quality, safe storage, kitchen hygiene, compliance with food safety standards and the validity of operating licences.
According to the department’s reported figures, two establishments had their licences suspended, while prosecution proceedings were initiated against 15 establishments during the inspection period.
Health Minister Nishant said compliance with food safety regulations was a priority and that public health could not be compromised. He directed food business operators to follow all prescribed rules concerning hygiene, safe storage, quality ingredients and valid licences.
Packaged Drinking Water Units Under Scrutiny
Patna recorded the highest number of inspections, with 87 establishments checked. The department also reported enforcement action involving approximately 15,340 litres of packaged drinking water, 3,456 kg of milk cake, 155 kg of gulab jamun, 96 kg of rasgulla, 170 kg of assorted sweets and paneer, along with other food products.
Inspections were conducted at packaged drinking water units in Sampatchak, Gaurichak and nearby areas of Patna. Officials examined units allegedly operating without valid food licences.
Large quantities of packaged drinking water were seized from establishments including Mahadev Enterprises and Triveni Neer. The department reported irregularities involving water packaging without licences and the use of labels associated with different brands.
Authorities ordered the suspension of production and operations at the concerned units and sent food samples to laboratories for testing.
Hotels Given Notices Over Hygiene Violations
Inspections at hotels including Gargee Grand, Pataliputra Exotica, The Panache and Hotel Maurya reportedly revealed shortcomings in kitchen cleanliness, food storage, employee health certificates and water testing arrangements.
Officials also found instances where vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were stored together. Expired and spoiled food products were reportedly identified at some establishments.
The concerned businesses were issued notices allowing 14 days to rectify the identified deficiencies.
Action Against Sweet Shops and Dairy Businesses
The food safety drive also targeted sweet shops and dairy establishments across Patna.
At Santosh Sweets in Vijay Nagar, officials recorded the seizure of 3,344 kg of milk cake and 112 kg of peda, with an estimated value of ₹5.24 lakh.
At Govardhan Sweets in Hanuman Nagar, action was taken against 170 kg of sweets and paneer reportedly found to have an unpleasant smell.
Other establishments, including Shantilal Sweets, Shalimar Sweets and Laddu Gopal Sweets, were instructed to address deficiencies related to cleanliness, packaging and storage.
Further inspections were conducted in Rajiv Nagar, Fraser Road, SP Verma Road, Malahi Pakri and Parsa Bazar. Officials reportedly seized burnt cooking oil, stale food, spoiled paneer and expired products.
At Manisha Dairy in Parsa Bazar, inspectors identified shortcomings relating to food storage, equipment cleanliness and hygiene. The establishment was directed to comply with the prescribed food safety requirements.
District-Wise Food Safety Inspections Across Bihar
Beyond Patna, inspections were conducted across several districts during the reported three-month period. Rohtas recorded 41 inspections, followed by Saran with 40, Gopalganj with 37, Siwan with 27 and Gaya with 26.
Vaishali recorded 24 inspections, while Muzaffarpur had 20. Bhagalpur and West Champaran reported 18 inspections each, followed by Purnia with 16. Bhojpur and Samastipur recorded 15 each, while Darbhanga and East Champaran reported 14 each.
Other districts also saw inspections, including Arwal and Kaimur with 13 each, Katihar with 12, and Madhubani, Saharsa and Sitamarhi with 10 each.
The department’s figures showed seven inspections in Khagaria, six in Supaul and five in Begusarai. Araria, Aurangabad, Madhepura and Nalanda recorded four inspections each.
Banka, Buxar and Jehanabad reported three inspections each, while Jamui, Lakhisarai and Munger recorded two each. Kishanganj and Nawada reported one inspection each. No inspections were recorded in Sheikhpura and Sheohar during the stated period.
Department Vows Continued Enforcement
The Food Safety Department has stated that action will continue against establishments found violating prescribed standards and endangering public health.
The ongoing drive aims to improve food quality, strengthen hygiene practices and ensure that consumers receive safe food products across Bihar. Officials are expected to continue inspections in Patna and other districts, with further action based on the findings and laboratory test results.
Consumers are also encouraged to check product labels, expiry dates and packaging details when purchasing food and beverages.
