Key Update

With the festive season approaching, Bihar has intensified its crackdown on food adulteration and safety violations. Food safety teams have conducted raids and inspections across Patna, Hajipur and Darbhanga, destroying adulterated, expired and spoiled food products and collecting samples for laboratory testing. The enforcement drive followed directions from Health Secretary-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi. Officials destroyed a total of 147 litres of milk and 144 kg of paneer during the recent operations.

Formalin Found in Milk

In Fatuha, officials detected formalin in milk samples collected from a dairy unit. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the chemical, prompting officials to destroy nearly 126 litres of milk. Authorities also collected additional milk and paneer samples for further analysis. Officials will take further action based on the laboratory findings.

72 Kg of Adulterated Paneer Seized in Hajipur

Food safety officials seized and destroyed 72 kg of paneer in Hajipur after detecting starch adulteration. Officials confiscated 14 kg from a grocery outlet on Station Road. They also found and destroyed another 58 kg at a paneer shop after detecting similar adulteration. Authorities have sent samples from the seized products for laboratory analysis. Further legal action will follow based on the test results.

In Darbhanga’s Benipur area, officials found 21 litres of expired milk and 18 kg of spoiled paneer at a milk parlour. The team destroyed both products on the spot and collected samples for further examination.

Officials Inspect Food Supplement Facility

The crackdown also covered a food supplements facility in Fatuha. A joint team from the food safety department, Drug Control Administration, Ayush Directorate and police inspected the facility and collected six samples, including manufactured and semi-finished products. Officials said they found no suspicious or objectionable substances during the inspection.

Checks Continue Across Food Businesses

Food safety teams have also conducted surprise inspections at sweet shops and food manufacturing units across Patna. Officials instructed food business operators to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness and comply with food safety requirements. The intensified checks come ahead of the festive season, when demand for milk, paneer, sweets and other food products typically rises. The enforcement drive aims to identify adulterated and unsafe food before it reaches consumers.

Source: The Times of India 

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