Patna : The Food Safety Department has seized sweets worth approximately Rs 21 lakh from a sweet manufacturing unit in Patna’s Bairiya area during an inspection drive ahead of Diwali.
The department’s special team raided the factory after reportedly finding that it was operating without a valid licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Officials also raised concerns about hygiene and compliance with food safety standards at the premises.
According to the report, the sweets were allegedly being prepared for distribution in markets across Patna and nearby areas during the festive season. Officials collected food samples from the factory and sent them for laboratory testing to assess their quality and composition.
Sweet Factory Allegedly Operating Without FSSAI Licence
During the inspection, the food safety team found that the manufacturing unit was allegedly operating without a valid FSSAI licence.
Officials also flagged concerns over the conditions in which sweets were being prepared and the reported failure to follow prescribed food safety standards.
The raid comes as demand for sweets rises ahead of Diwali, prompting food manufacturers and retailers to prepare larger quantities for the festive market.
The department is conducting inspections to identify possible violations and prevent unsafe or substandard food products from reaching consumers.
Sweets Worth Rs 21 Lakh Seized, Samples Sent To Laboratory
The inspection team seized sweets valued at approximately Rs 21 lakh from the factory.
Officials also collected samples of food products for laboratory analysis. The tests are expected to help determine whether the sweets contain adulterated or substandard ingredients and whether they comply with applicable food safety requirements.
The laboratory findings will be important in establishing the quality of the seized products. Until the results are available, the allegations of adulteration should be treated as unconfirmed.
The seizure is part of the department’s efforts to check food manufacturing practices and ensure compliance with safety regulations during the festive season.
Food Safety Concerns Ahead Of Diwali
The action in Bairiya has highlighted concerns about the production and distribution of sweets during a period of high consumer demand.
Food prepared or stored without appropriate hygiene controls and quality checks may pose risks to public health. The department’s inspection drive aims to identify such shortcomings and ensure that food businesses comply with the prescribed standards.
Officials are examining manufacturing units and other food establishments as part of the wider campaign to monitor food quality ahead of Diwali.
Department Intensifies Inspections Across Patna
The Food Safety Department has indicated that inspections will continue across Patna during the festive period.
According to the report, legal proceedings have been initiated against the factory operator and others associated with the unit. Further action will depend on the investigation, laboratory findings and applicable regulatory procedures.
The department has reiterated that food businesses must maintain proper hygiene, comply with licensing requirements and ensure that products meet prescribed safety standards.
The outcome of the Bairiya case will depend on the evidence gathered during the inspection and the results of laboratory testing. The department’s continuing drive is intended to protect consumers and improve compliance among food manufacturers and sellers during the festive season.
