Patna: Bihar’s Food Safety Department has intensified inspections of food establishments across the state to ensure that consumers receive safe and quality food.
The inspections are being carried out on the directions of Health Secretary-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi, with teams checking food quality, hygiene and compliance with food safety standards.
During the latest inspections, contaminated and expired food products were seized and destroyed, while legal food samples were collected for laboratory testing.
Expired Papad Destroyed in Rohtas
In Rohtas, Food Safety Officer Raj Kumar Singh inspected Beyond Bread Roods at Lal Jalaram on September 15.
During the inspection, food products were checked in the presence of proprietor Mohit Singh. Officials found Shri Ram Papad whose use-by date had expired in June 2026.
The expired product was seized and destroyed on the spot in accordance with the prescribed procedure, with the action carried out in the presence and with the consent of the food business operator.
20 Kg Contaminated Chhena Sweet Seized in Muzaffarpur
In Muzaffarpur, food safety officials inspected two establishments on September 15.
A legal sample of paneer was collected from one establishment, while a legal sample of chhena sweet was collected from Shri Balaji Sweets near Muktinath Temple in Ramdayalu Nagar.
During the inspection of Shri Balaji Sweets, officials found the establishment’s hygiene and storage conditions unsatisfactory.
Around 20 kg of contaminated chhena sweet was found and seized for disposal as per the prescribed procedure. A legal sample of the sweet was also collected and sent for laboratory testing.
Samples collected from both establishments will be examined at a designated food laboratory. Further legal action will be taken based on the test reports under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Licence Suspension Recommended in Samastipur
Food safety authorities also took action in Samastipur and Muzaffarpur on September 15.
In Samastipur, officials recommended the suspension of the licence of a food vending establishment after finding serious irregularities.
In Muzaffarpur, five samples of paneer, chhena, rabri and peda were collected for testing.
A chhena sweet manufacturing plant located on the Gaya-Motihari Road was also ordered to be shut immediately after officials found serious deficiencies.
Other food establishments were instructed to improve cleanliness and follow FIFO and FEFO systems for the proper management of food stocks.
488 Food Samples Collected So Far
As part of the ongoing inspection drive, authorities have collected 488 food samples from different categories for testing.
These include:
- Milk and dairy products: 179
- Sweets: 106
- Cereals and pulses: 65
- Spices and sauces: 64
- Beverages: 37
- Street food and bakery products: 19
- Edible oils: 18
- Meat, fish and eggs: Samples have also been sent for testing
The department said the sampling drive is aimed at identifying unsafe, adulterated and substandard food products and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
Action to Continue Against Unsafe Food
Health Secretary-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi said no compromise would be made with food quality or public health.
Food businesses have been directed to ensure that consumers are provided only safe, quality food that meets prescribed standards.
He said the storage, use or sale of expired, spoiled, adulterated or unsafe food products would not be tolerated.
The Food Safety Department will continue inspections, sample collection and testing across Bihar, with further action to be taken wherever violations are detected.
