The Bihar government has taken a strict step against unsafe food products to protect public health. Food Safety Commissioner Lokesh Kumar Singh has ordered an immediate 15-day ban on the sale, storage, and manufacturing of Sobisco brand’s “Hum-Tum Crackers”. This decision came after laboratory reports confirmed that the biscuits contained chemical levels much higher than the allowed safety standards. The administration has directed all districts to ensure these packets are removed from shops immediately.
Why the government took this action
The investigation started after the Jammu and Kashmir government flagged the product as unsafe in Anantnag. Following this, food safety officials collected samples from various districts in Bihar, including Patna, Hajipur, Purnia, Sasaram, Khagaria, and Bhagalpur. These samples were tested at the National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad.
The results showed that the biscuits contained sulfite levels that were three to four times higher than the limit prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). While the safe limit is 350 mg/kg, the tested batches had levels between 1100 to 1400 mg/kg. Such high amounts of preservatives make the product unfit for human consumption.
Health risks and strict instructions
Health experts warn that consuming high levels of sulfites can be dangerous, especially for children and people with asthma. It can trigger sudden breathing difficulties, skin allergies, itching, severe stomach pain, and headaches. Because of these risks, the commissioner called this ban a necessary precautionary measure.
The government has ordered M/s Sona Biscuits Limited to recall all stocks from wholesalers and retailers. District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police are monitoring the market to stop the sale of these crackers. Legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is being initiated against the manufacturer and vendors who continue to sell the banned product.
