Patna: The state food safety department has inspected 531 food establishments across the state during a special enforcement drive ordered by health minister Nishant Kumar, with prosecution directed against 15 establishments and licences of two suspended for violations.Patna recorded the highest number of inspections at 87. The drive covered hotels, restaurants, sweet shops, food manufacturing units, packaged drinking water plants and online grocery warehouses. Notices were issued to establishments violating food safety norms, directing them to rectify deficiencies within 14 days.In Patna, inspections led to the seizure and destruction of spoiled paneer, sweets, expired milk and other unsafe food items. Action was also taken against around 15,340 litres of packaged drinking water, 3,456kg of milk cake, 155kg of gulab jamun, 96kg of rasgulla and 170kg of assorted sweets and paneer.The licence of The Cake’s Delight was suspended with immediate effect, with directions to stop manufacturing. Winni Retails Pvt. Ltd. was ordered to remain closed for three days over violations, while Monginis was served a notice to rectify hygiene deficiencies within 14 days, according to a press release issued by the department.Officials found several packaged drinking water units operating without valid food licences, besides irregularities in packaging and brand labelling. Hotels and restaurants were found wanting in kitchen hygiene, food storage, employees’ health records and water testing. Some establishments stored vegetarian and non-vegetarian food together, while expired and spoiled items were also detected.Nishant said public health was a priority and no compromise with food safety standards would be tolerated.
