Patna : The Bihar Health Department’s Food Safety Department seized 15,340 litres of packaged drinking water valued at Rs 3,07,960 during inspections of five establishments in Patna on October 14. The action uncovered units operating without valid food licences and irregularities in the labelling and packaging of bottled water.
The inspections were conducted in Sampatchak, Sonagopalpur, Gaurichak and nearby areas on the directions of Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi. The department closed unlicensed units and collected legal samples for laboratory testing.
One establishment was found packaging water under labels resembling the Bisleri brand, including the names Beslari and Bislari. Officials also found water being filled manually into bottles at another premises.
Mahadev Enterprises: 6,960 Litres Of Water Seized
Mahadev Enterprises, located in Sonagopalpur in Sampatchak, was found operating without a valid food licence.
Officials seized 8,178 bottles of packaged water, including 5,364 one-litre bottles, 2,688 half-litre bottles and 126 two-litre bottles. The total quantity was 6,960 litres, with an estimated value of Rs 1,28,280.
The establishment was closed, and one legal sample was sent to a food laboratory for testing.
Triveni Neer: 1,694 Litres Seized
Triveni Neer, located in Ramnagar, Gaurichak, was also found operating without a valid food licence.
The inspection team seized 984 one-litre bottles and 1,420 half-litre bottles, amounting to 1,694 litres of packaged water worth Rs 33,880.
Two legal samples were collected and sent to a food laboratory for testing. The unit’s manufacturing operations were also stopped.
Prahil Plastico Found Using Labels Similar To Bisleri
During an inspection of Prahil Plastico Pvt. Ltd. in Sampatchak, officials found that the establishment did not have a valid food licence and was packaging water using labels and wrappers associated with different brands.
The bottles included labels bearing the names Beslari 1000 ml, Bislari Herbal Water 1000 ml and Bislferi, the last resembling the Bisleri brand name.
The total quantity of water recorded at the premises was 1,656 litres, with an estimated value of Rs 33,120. Action was initiated over compliance with food safety standards and the validity of the required licences.
Manual Bottling Found At Amit Kumar’s Premises
At a premises operated by Amit Kumar in Sampatchak, inspectors found water being filled into bottles manually.
The bottle labels carried the address ‘A.V. Beverages, Bealin Road, Saran’. Officials recorded a total of 4,190 litres of water, with an estimated value of Rs 95,880, according to the inspection details.
Action was taken over possible irregularities involving food safety standards and licensing requirements.
Unlicensed Packaging Found At Ajay Singh’s Property
At a property belonging to Ajay Singh in Sonagopalpur, Sampatchak, officials found packaged drinking water being prepared without a valid food licence.
The inspection team recorded 240 one-litre bottles and 1,200 half-litre bottles, amounting to 840 litres of water. The recorded value of the water in the one-litre bottles was Rs 16,800.
The department initiated action over the alleged licensing and food safety violations.
Department Advises Consumers To Check Water Bottle Labels
The Bihar Health Department said food businesses must comply with prescribed food safety standards and licensing requirements. Manufacturing, packaging or selling packaged drinking water without a valid licence is not permitted.
The department has also advised consumers to check the manufacturer’s name, food safety licence number, packaging details and other required information printed on bottled water labels before making a purchase.
Consumers have been urged to inform the relevant food safety authorities if they find suspected irregularities.
The seized water samples will undergo laboratory testing, while further action will depend on the findings and applicable regulations.
