Patna: The Bihar Health Department has intensified regular and surprise inspections of food establishments across the state to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The campaign covers hotels, restaurants, bakeries, dairies, spice units, food shops and other food business establishments.
The inspections are being conducted under the directives of Health Secretary-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi. Officials are checking food quality, hygiene, valid FSSAI licences or registrations, storage practices and compliance with prescribed safety standards.
Samples Sent For Laboratory Testing
Food samples have been collected from several districts, covering milk and milk products, spices and sauces, grains and pulses, bakery products, beverages and other food items.
The samples are being sent to designated laboratories for testing in accordance with established procedures. Food business operators have been instructed to comply with food safety requirements.
District-Wise Inspections
In Patna, surprise inspections and sample collection were conducted to assess food quality. Samples of edible oil and beverages were collected for laboratory analysis. Notices were issued to establishments where adulterated or suspicious food products were found, with legal action initiated where required.
In Siwan and Gopalganj, food samples were collected on September 18 and September 19 and sent to the Joint Food and Drug Laboratory at Agamkuan in Patna. Establishments were directed to maintain cleanliness, personal hygiene and food safety compliance.
In East Champaran, samples from the milk and milk products category, including Amul Kool and Amul Chocolat, were collected. Vendors were instructed to maintain cleanliness, check best-before dates and follow FIFO/FEFO storage systems.
In Nalanda, samples of turmeric powder, moong and biscuits were collected. Food establishments were instructed to prominently display their FSSAI licence or registration, obtain the required registration where necessary, follow FIFO practices and keep food products covered and protected.
In Arwal, inspections were conducted on September 18 and September 19, with beverage samples collected for laboratory testing. The online inspection process for the establishments concerned was also completed.
Inspections In Begusarai, Gaya And Katihar
Various food establishments were inspected in Begusarai, where samples of milk, milk products and other food categories were collected. Operators were instructed to maintain hygiene, food quality and compliance with applicable legal requirements.
In Gaya, inspections were conducted in several areas, including the Tikari subdivision. A pre-registration inspection was also carried out at a mushroom production unit. Units found ineligible for registration under the applicable rules were directed to obtain the required food safety licences.
In Katihar, several food establishments were inspected, including Harihar Bakery on Power House Road in Binodpur, Sarita Aahara and an oil mill near the CJM Court. Operators were instructed to maintain hygiene and sanitation and follow FIFO norms.
Focus On Licensing And Hygiene
The Health Department has directed food business operators to prominently display valid FSSAI licences or registrations at their premises. Operators have also been asked to follow FIFO/FEFO systems and store food products safely and hygienically.
The department has emphasised regular cleaning of premises, personal hygiene and compliance with prescribed food quality standards.
The Directorate of Food Safety and Drug Control has said action will be taken according to the rules in cases involving violations of food safety standards, operation without the required licence or registration, or manufacture and sale of food products under unhygienic conditions.
The department said the campaign of surprise inspections, sample collection and enforcement action will continue across Bihar.
