Key Update

The Chhapra district administration in Bihar has launched a stringent enforcement drive against the sale of substandard and fake paneer following multiple complaints from consumers. Acting on the directions of District Magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava, the Food Safety Department conducted surprise inspections across key areas of the city on Friday.

Surprise Inspections at Hotels and Restaurants

Food safety teams inspected hotels and restaurants in several busy market locations, including Ambedkar Chowk, SN Path, Nagar Palika Chowk, Kachari Station, and Thana Chowk. During the drive, officials collected paneer samples from 10 establishments to assess their quality and safety.

Assistant Designated Officer and Food Safety Officer Narayan Ram stated that the administration had received credible information indicating that some eateries were serving artificial or inferior paneer instead of genuine dairy-based products. Officials sent all collected samples to an authorised laboratory for detailed analysis.

Substandard Paneer Destroyed, Licence Violations Found

The inspection led to immediate action at a shop in the Mauna Chowk area, where officials found around two kilograms of paneer unfit for human consumption and destroyed it on the spot. In a separate case, the team discovered a restaurant operating without a valid food licence. Officials directed the owner to obtain the mandatory licence immediately, flagging serious lapses in regulatory compliance.

Legal Action to Follow Based on Test Results

Authorities said they will initiate strict legal proceedings against any establishment found violating food safety standards once laboratory test reports are received. Officials will register cases under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and relevant regulations.

While the drive has raised concerns among hotel and restaurant owners, the district administration has reiterated that public health remains its top priority. Officials described the action as a crucial step toward ensuring that consumers in Chhapra receive safe, pure, and reliable food.

Source: Patna Press