Patna, October 10: Amid claims of providing safe food to the public in Bihar, violations of food safety regulations were uncovered at prominent food establishments in Patna. A team from the Food Safety Department conducted surprise inspections at Pistahouse, Pirates of Grill, and other establishments located on SP Verma Road. During the operation, expired spices were destroyed, food items were seized, and several samples were sent to the laboratory for testing.

From Pistahouse, 15 kg of dried cherries, 42 kg of dried pineapple, 32 kg of dried ginger, and 7.5 kg of date paste were seized, with an estimated value of 56,400 rupees. Irregularities in the branding of date paste and the absence of mandatory details on imported food items were also noted. Additionally, 66 packets of MDH tandoori masala and 51 packets of garam masala were destroyed as they were expired, with a total value of 12,027 rupees. The inspection also revealed deficiencies such as storing vegetable and meat items together, inadequate lighting in the freezer, lack of pest control measures, and the unavailability of water testing reports.

From Pirates of Grill, 5 kg of red chili powder, 5 kg of coriander powder, and three packets of dry ginger powder were seized. According to the available report, the listed prices of these items are 62,500, 4,500, and 1,050 rupees, respectively. The inspection revealed issues such as water accumulation in the kitchen drainage and the storage of vegetable and meat items together in the freezer. The report also noted that the FSSAI license or registration number was not mentioned on the bills. Notably, while the establishment’s self-inspection report recorded 112 out of 116 parameters, i.e., 97 percent, directions were still issued for corrective action in certain areas.

The department’s team also collected samples of sauces, mayonnaise, cheese, almonds, red chili powder, and other food items from Burger Singh House and other food establishments during the inspections. These samples have been sent to the laboratory for quality testing. The operation was carried out on the orders of Kumar Ravi, Secretary and Commissioner of the Food Safety Department. The concerned establishments have been directed to comply with cleanliness, safe storage, and food safety regulations. A final conclusion regarding the quality of the items can only be drawn after the laboratory reports for the other samples are received.