Patna : The Food Safety Department in Patna has taken action against six food establishments following inspections that revealed unhygienic conditions, improper food storage and violations of food safety requirements. The action included licence suspensions, the seizure of food products, destruction of stale items and notices directing businesses to improve compliance.
Among the establishments facing action were Makhan Bhog Workshop in Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, where officials suspended the licence over unhygienic conditions, and Akash Sweets in Devarah Tola, where 2,060 kg of sweets and other food products valued at approximately Rs 3.67 lakh were seized. The latter establishment was also ordered to remain closed for seven days.
Officials collected samples of selected food items for laboratory testing as part of the inspection drive.
Makhan Bhog Workshop Licence Suspended
During an inspection of Makhan Bhog Workshop in the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar area of BH Colony, Agamkuan, officials found unhygienic conditions and suspended the establishment’s licence.
The team seized 180 kg of gond and collected samples of khoya, laddus and gond for laboratory analysis.
Officials also seized or destroyed several food products during the inspections, including 15 kg of peda, 3.3 kg of doda barfi, 8 kg of milk cake, 3 kg of loose milk, 5 kg of premium halwa, 5 kg of khoya, 20 kg of besan, 5 kg of besan laddus, 30 litres of cooking oil and 50 kg of sugar.
Akash Sweets Ordered To Close For Seven Days
Akash Sweets, located in Devarah Tola in the Havaldarchak area of Dhanarua block, was found with food safety and documentation deficiencies.
Officials seized 2,060 kg of besan laddus, milk cake, khoya and other food products, with an estimated value of Rs 3,67,600. The establishment’s licence was suspended, and it was ordered to remain closed for seven days.
Samples were collected for laboratory testing. The inspection also revealed deficiencies in food packaging and labelling, including missing batch numbers and manufacturing or best-before dates.
Officials further reported that the establishment lacked employee health certificates, pest-control documentation and water-testing reports.
Stale Food Destroyed At Restaurant
During an inspection of Banshi Lal Restaurant near the main gate of Patna’s Market Committee, officials found stale food items that were subsequently destroyed.
These included 3 kg of potato filling used for samosas, 50 stale idlis and vadas, 2 kg of sauce and 2 kg of chutney. A sample of arhar dal was also collected for testing.
The inspection identified shortcomings in food storage and hygiene, along with missing employee health certificates, water-testing reports and pest-control documentation. Officials also flagged concerns relating to waste disposal.
Dairy And Sweet Shops Face Compliance Action
At Kanhaiya Dairy in Bhagwat Nagar, Kankarbagh, officials collected samples of paneer, khoya and besan laddus for laboratory analysis.
The inspection also identified gaps in documentation, including the absence of pest-control records, employee health certificates, internal and external audit documents, and FoSTaC food safety training records.
Shakti Sweets and Prasad Kendra, located near Mahavir Mandir at Patna Junction, were also inspected. Officials found that staff members were not wearing appropriate protective clothing, including masks, gloves and aprons.
The establishments were also found to be missing employee health certificates and not following the prescribed First In, First Out (FIFO) and First Expired, First Out (FEFO) stock-management practices.
Both establishments were issued 14-day improvement notices, directing them to address the identified deficiencies.
Food Samples Sent For Laboratory Testing
The inspections covered food preparation, storage, hygiene, labelling, employee health documentation and pest-control measures across the six establishments.
Samples collected during the drive will be tested in laboratories to assess their compliance with food safety standards. The findings will help determine any further action required under the applicable regulations.
The department’s action highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene, proper food storage, accurate labelling and complete safety documentation at food businesses.
