Food Safety Drive in Jasidih: 23 Establishments Inspected, 23 Kg of Items Destroyed

The Food Safety Department conducted an extensive inspection drive across Jasidih ahead of the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026 and Raksha Bandhan, checking food quality and hygiene standards at hotels, restaurants, sweet shops and other food establishments.

The drive was carried out on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate, with officials checking food preparation practices, storage conditions and the validity of food safety licences and registrations.

A total of 23 establishments were inspected, including Munni Lal Sweets, Krishna Sweets, Harilal Bhojanalaya, Mahadev Bhojanalaya, Uttam Bhojanalaya, Golu Sweets, Ramesh Bhojanalaya, Maa Durga Sweets, Pappu Sweets, Saurabh Sweets, Kailash Hotel, Janta Hotel, Rohini Misthan Bhandar, Mehar Sweets and Urban Sweets.

During the inspections, officials examined a range of commonly consumed food products and ingredients, including turmeric powder, garam masala, pulses, paneer, chilli and tomato sauces, chutney, sambar, cooked food, vegetables, potato masala and different varieties of sweets.

23 Kg of Food Items Destroyed

The inspection team found food items containing substances that did not meet food safety requirements. A total of 8 kg of besan laddus, 5 kg of motichoor laddus and 2 kg of vegetables and chutney were destroyed on the spot after the use of non-food-grade colour was detected.

Another 8 kg of barfi was destroyed after starch was found in the product. Officials also checked manufacturing and expiry dates to ensure that establishments were not selling or using products beyond their permitted shelf life.

The department directed food business operators to maintain proper hygiene in kitchens and food preparation areas, follow safe storage practices and keep valid FSSAI licences or registrations. Officials warned that the sale or use of expired food products or items failing to meet prescribed standards could result in action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The inspection assumes added significance during the Shravani Mela period, when Deoghar witnesses a substantial increase in the movement of pilgrims and visitors. With food establishments catering to a larger number of people during the festival season, maintaining hygiene and preventing adulteration becomes particularly important.

Consumers Asked to Check Food Labels

The Food Safety Department also urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing packaged or prepared food. People were advised to check the manufacturing and expiry dates, FSSAI logo and licence or registration details before buying food products.

The department indicated that such inspections would help ensure safer food for residents as well as the large number of devotees and visitors arriving in the district during the festive and pilgrimage season.
 

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