Patna: As Patna gears up for Christmas and New Year celebrations, markets, hotels and restaurants across the city are witnessing a festive rush. Streets are decked up, bakeries are flooded with orders, and demand for cakes, pastries, confectionery items, sweets, dry fruits, beverages, paneer and chicken has surged sharply during the celebration period from December 21 to January 2.
However, amid the festive enthusiasm, concerns are growing over food adulteration and quality lapses, even as no major enforcement drive has been visibly initiated so far. This is despite the fact that during last year’s Christmas and New Year season, intensive inspections had exposed widespread use of artificial colours in cakes, leading to the destruction of large quantities of bakery products and the temporary closure of several unhygienic bakery units. Laboratory tests had also found chocolate and confectionery items to be substandard.
Health experts warn that inedible artificial colours can cause hyperactivity, skin allergies, attention disorders, stomach pain, diarrhoea and indigestion in children. Prolonged consumption may also harm the liver and kidneys.
High-demand products under scrutiny
Cakes, pastries and bakery items see the highest demand during the festive season. Adulterators often exploit this surge by using expired flour, industrial-grade inedible colours, cheap vegetable fat and synthetic cream. These products are sold openly due to their attractive appearance and low prices, putting children at risk of food poisoning and gastric infections.
Chocolates and toffees, especially popular among children, are also vulnerable to malpractice. Repackaging of expired products, use of low-quality cocoa powder and circulation of fake brands remain common concerns. Officials also flag the challenge posed by smuggled confectionery items entering India via Nepal, particularly from China.
Dry fruits, commonly considered healthy, are not immune either. Cashews, raisins, pistachios and almonds sold in gift packs are often old stock, polished with chemicals to enhance shine or treated with moisture to increase weight. Such practices may lead to fungal infections and adverse effects on the liver.
Quality of paneer remains a major concern among consumers. Recent inspections conducted around six months ago had found paneer supplied to even leading hotels and restaurants to be substandard. The wide price range, from Rs 150 to over Rs 450 per kg, has further raised suspicion about its quality. Authorities frequently test paneer for adulteration using synthetic milk, starch and detergents.
Cold drinks, juices and ice creams also pose health risks during the festive rush. Locally bottled beverages, impure water and excessive use of chemical preservatives can increase the risk of diarrhoea and typhoid. Open juice stalls are under scrutiny for using unsafe ingredients under the guise of new flavours. Similarly, ice creams and frozen desserts made with synthetic milk, low-grade fat and expired materials are emerging as major causes of food poisoning among children and youth.
Illegal liquor remains the biggest threat during New Year celebrations. Adulteration with methyl alcohol or chemical spirits can cause blindness or even death, making enforcement a critical challenge for authorities.
Food safety checks underway
Food Safety Officer Ajay Kumar said inspections are ongoing at markets, hotels and restaurants ahead of Christmas and New Year. Paneer remains a key focus, though current findings mainly indicate low fat content and use of arrowroot, which he said is not highly dangerous to health. Chicken samples will also be tested. Special drives are being planned to collect samples of cakes and confectionery items, particularly those suspected to be smuggled.
He added that cakes made with artificial colours will be destroyed and establishments found violating hygiene norms will be shut until corrective measures are taken. Shopkeepers have been instructed to strictly check expiry dates of chocolates and confectionery products, failing which action will be taken.
Consumer advisory
Authorities have urged consumers to remain cautious while shopping during the festive season. People are advised to buy only from FSSAI or ISI-licensed shops, avoid brightly coloured sweets and open bakery products, carefully check expiry dates on packaged foods, and be wary of unusually cheap offers. Celebrations, officials stressed, should not come at the cost of health.
Ajay Kumar said that confectionery items such as chocolates, candies, jellies and lollipops are also under the scanner this year. If laboratory tests confirm violations of food safety standards, strict action will be recommended against both retailers and manufacturers.
As Patna celebrates the festive season, food safety authorities have reiterated that vigilance from both regulators and consumers is essential to ensure that celebrations remain joyful and free from health hazards.
