Patna : The Bihar Food Safety Department has intensified inspections of sweet shops, food manufacturing units and restaurants ahead of the festive season, taking action against establishments where officials reported expired products, poor storage conditions or hygiene-related shortcomings.
The drive, conducted across the state up to October 12, resulted in the seizure and destruction of several food products, the collection of samples for laboratory testing and the issuance of notices to businesses over alleged violations.
Secretary-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi directed officials to strengthen inspections and ensure that food businesses follow prescribed safety and hygiene standards.
Cozy Sweets Licence Suspended
The department suspended the licence of Cozy Sweets following an inspection. The establishment has reportedly been asked to submit an explanation within three days.
Officials collected samples of gur and chamcham for laboratory testing. The results will help determine whether the products meet the required food safety standards.
The suspension is an administrative action taken during the inspection drive. Further action will depend on the department’s assessment of the establishment’s response and the relevant findings.
Sweet Home Units Lose Licences
Inspections at two Sweet Home establishments in Buddha Colony, Patna, led to the cancellation of their licences, according to the inspection report.
At the Sweet Home factory, officials found expired stocks of gram flour, refined flour and wheat flour. Food products valued at approximately Rs 18,335 were seized, while around 70 kg of expired gram flour worth Rs 6,300 was destroyed.
Samples of paneer, khoya, refined flour and wheat flour were collected for laboratory analysis.
At Sweet Home Confectionery, inspectors seized and destroyed expired custard powder, a product described in the report as “Qumi flavour sulphate”, and baking powder. Five samples, including flour, gram flour, sugar-free liquid and cashew-coconut biscuits, were also sent for testing.
The department’s action followed the reported findings during the inspections. Laboratory results will provide further information about the samples collected.
Shivam Sweets: 645 Kg Of Products Destroyed
At Shivam Sweets, officials seized and destroyed approximately 630 kg of kalakand, 10 kg of barfi and 5 kg of laddoo, with a reported total value of around Rs 1 lakh.
Four samples—kalakand, barfi, laddoo and silver leaf—were collected for laboratory testing.
Inspectors also found that the establishment could not produce a water-testing report or health certificates for its workers. The unit was reportedly using skimmed milk powder and was issued a 14-day improvement notice to address the shortcomings.
The notice requires the establishment to improve its compliance with the prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements.
Neha Trades: Spoilage And Hygiene Concerns
At Neha Trades, officials seized and destroyed 31 kg of skimmed milk powder, 34 kg of semolina, 20 kg of milk cake and 14 kg of sugar.
Samples of doda barfi, skimmed milk powder and milk cake were collected for laboratory analysis.
According to the inspection report, the skimmed milk powder showed signs of spoilage, including an unpleasant odour and fungal growth. Inspectors also noted sanitation concerns, including damaged walls and flooring and an unclean toilet.
The findings were recorded as part of the department’s assessment of food storage and hygiene conditions at the premises.
Notices Issued To Hari Lal Ventures And Patna Biryani Mahal
At Hari Lal Ventures, officials collected samples of plain chamcham and gajak for laboratory testing. Inspectors also reported drainage and hygiene-related shortcomings and issued a 14-day improvement notice.
At Patna Biryani Mahal, samples of chaat masala and cinnamon were collected for testing. The establishment reportedly could not produce documents relating to water testing, pest control and employee medical examinations during the inspection.
Officials instructed the restaurant to address the identified shortcomings. The inspection findings do not, by themselves, establish that the collected food samples failed laboratory tests.
Bikaner Factory Products Destroyed
During an inspection at a Bikaner factory, officials found wafer packets bearing an expiry date of October 13, 2026. The packets were destroyed to prevent their reuse, according to the report.
Samples of cashew nuts and raisins were also collected for laboratory testing.
The department’s action forms part of the wider effort to monitor the quality, storage and handling of food products during the festive period.
Food Businesses Told To Follow Safety Standards
The Food Safety Department has instructed food businesses to ensure that products are stored properly and that expired or spoiled ingredients are neither used in production nor offered for sale.
Officials have also emphasised the need for clean premises, proper drainage, pest control, safe drinking water and appropriate hygiene practices among workers.
Samples collected during inspections will be examined in laboratories, while businesses issued improvement notices are expected to address the shortcomings within the stipulated period.
The department’s festive-season drive is intended to strengthen compliance with food safety requirements. Further action against individual establishments will depend on the inspection records, laboratory findings and responses submitted by the businesses concerned.
