Muzaffarpur/Patna: The Food Safety Department has launched a crackdown on suspected adulteration and the sale of substandard food products in Muzaffarpur ahead of Raksha Bandhan. During raids at several establishments, officials seized 105 kg of suspicious paneer along with spoiled khoa, moldy pedas and other sweets.
The inspections were conducted on the instructions of the district administration. A team led by East SDM Anand Utsav carried out raids at more than half a dozen establishments across the city as part of a special festive-season food safety drive.
Spoiled Khoa and Moldy Sweets Found at Shops
During an inspection of Bhawani Khoa Bhandar in PN Roy Lane, Motijheel, officials found khoa stored on the floor in unhygienic conditions. Mold was also found on pedas kept in containers, while the paneer reportedly had a foul smell.
The team subsequently inspected the nearby Govind Khoa Bhandar, where spoiled pedas, paneer and other sweets were also found.
When questioned about the spoiled products, the shopkeeper reportedly told officials that the stock had deteriorated and was supposed to be discarded after the festival.
105 Kg Suspicious Paneer Seized
East SDM Anand Utsav said around 105 kg of suspicious paneer was seized from establishments in PN Roy Lane. A substantial quantity of spoiled sweets and khoa was also recovered during the inspections.
Officials have started the process of disposing of the seized food items in accordance with prescribed regulations.
Samples of the suspected food products have been collected and sent to a laboratory for testing. Further legal action against the concerned establishments will depend on the laboratory reports.
More Inspections Planned Across Muzaffarpur
The demand for paneer, khoa and sweets increases significantly during festivals such as Raksha Bandhan. Authorities have therefore intensified inspections at food establishments across Muzaffarpur to prevent the sale of adulterated or unsafe products.
The Food Safety Department has warned that strict action will be taken against establishments found selling adulterated, contaminated or substandard food items. The inspection campaign is expected to continue across the city during the festive period.
