Patna : The Food Safety Department has uncovered hygiene lapses, stale and expired food items, and violations of food storage standards during inspections of restaurants, hotels and retail establishments across Patna. Officials seized and destroyed food items, collected samples for laboratory testing and directed two restaurant kitchens to remain closed temporarily after identifying serious deficiencies.
The establishments inspected included Biryani Mahal, Biryani Bulls, The Biryani Mall, Kolkata Biryani Mahal, Anmol Hotel, Mutton Mahal, Tasty Treat Restaurant and Cafe, and Big Basket. Inspectors also found missing safety documents, including water-testing reports, pest-control certificates and medical fitness certificates for employees.
Biryani Mahal And Biryani Bulls Among Establishments Flagged
At Biryani Mahal on Ashiana-Digha Road, officials seized and destroyed 13 kg of half-boiled chicken, 3 kg of vegetarian food items and 1.5 kg of boiled mutton. The seized items were valued at approximately Rs 3,150, according to the departmental report.
At Biryani Bulls in SK Puri, inspectors found vegetarian and non-vegetarian food stored together. The establishment could not produce employees’ medical fitness certificates or a water-testing report. Officials also identified deficiencies in the food storage arrangements required under the First Expiry, First Out (FEFO) and First In, First Out (FIFO) systems.
A sample of raw basmati rice was collected for testing.
At another Biryani Mahal outlet on Boring Road in SK Puri, officials found that the required water-testing report, pest-control certificate and employees’ medical fitness certificates were unavailable. Samples of chicken masala and raw mutton were collected for laboratory examination.
The Biryani Mall And Kolkata Biryani Mahal Ordered To Close Kitchens
At The Biryani Mall on Fraser Road, the inspection team seized and destroyed expired milk weighing 3 kg, Amul cheese weighing 1 kg, dairy cream weighing 1 kg and other food items. The seized material was valued at around Rs 2,000.
Officials also collected two samples of raw chicken. Following the discovery of serious deficiencies in food safety standards, the establishment was directed to keep its kitchen closed for three days.
At Kolkata Biryani Mahal on Boring Canal Road, the team found that kitchen cleanliness was unsatisfactory. The establishment could not produce the required water-testing report, employees’ medical fitness certificates or pest-control documents.
Samples of raw chicken and chilli powder were collected for testing. Due to the unhygienic condition of the kitchen, officials directed the restaurant to keep its kitchen closed for two days.
Anmol Hotel Records Food Seizure Worth Rs 36,650
At Anmol Hotel near the General Post Office on Budh Marg, inspectors found inadequate cleanliness and violations of food safety standards.
The team seized and destroyed several food items, including paneer, roasted chicken, gravy, Manchurian masala, white gravy mix, raw chicken, fried paneer, mushrooms, Manchurian and chopped vegetables.
According to the departmental report, the seized material was valued at Rs 36,650.
Officials collected samples of paneer and chicken for testing. The inspection also revealed that the establishment could not produce employees’ medical fitness certificates, pest-control documentation or a water-testing report.
The hotel was found not following the FIFO food storage system and was issued a notice directing it to rectify the deficiencies within seven days.
Tasty Treat And Mutton Mahal Face Food Safety Scrutiny
At Tasty Treat Restaurant and Cafe on West Boring Canal Road, inspectors found spoiled food items. The team seized and destroyed 2 kg of chicken, 1 kg of yellow lentils, 1 kg of cooked fish and 3 kg of gravy.
The seized items were valued at approximately Rs 1,000.
At Mutton Mahal on Bailey Road, opposite Bihar Museum, officials collected a sample of mustard oil for testing. The establishment was directed to obtain a food licence and submit employees’ medical fitness certificates, a pest-control report and a water-testing report within seven days.
Big Basket Found Violating Food Storage Norms
An inspection at Big Basket in Ashiana Nagar, operated by Innovative Retail Concepts Private Limited, revealed that food and non-food products were being stored together.
Officials also found that the outlet was not following the FEFO and FIFO stock-rotation systems. The establishment could not produce employees’ medical fitness certificates or FoSTaC food safety training certificates.
The inspection team collected samples of mustard oil, pistachios, almonds, sugar and mixed lentils for testing.
Food Safety Department Focuses On Hygiene And Compliance
The inspection drive focused on kitchen cleanliness, food quality, storage practices and compliance with food safety requirements.
Officials seized and destroyed the identified food items, while samples from several establishments were sent for testing. The inspections also resulted in notices requiring establishments to address deficiencies within specified timeframes and temporary kitchen closures where serious shortcomings were identified.
The findings highlight the importance of maintaining hygienic food preparation areas, storing food and non-food products separately, following stock-rotation procedures and keeping the required safety documentation up to date.
