Patna: The health department seized and destroyed 30kg of foul-smelling paneer and 4kg of rice during inspections of restaurants in Patna on Wednesday, according to a press release issued by the department. Officials also barred the use of 15kg of packed chicken stored in an unhygienic wash area and found insect-infested bread packets at a Barbeque Nation outlet.The inspections covered multiple outlets of KFC, Barbeque Nation and Pizza Hut as part of the department’s ongoing drive to ensure food safety and quality during festive season. Samples of various food items were collected and sent to the laboratory for testing. All inspected establishments were issued 14-day improvement notices to rectify the deficiencies mentioned in the release.At Barbeque Nation K P Mall outlet on Budh Marg, officials found foul-smelling paneer and rice, while packed chicken stored in the wash area was barred from use. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were also found stored together in the kitchen. At its One Mall outlet on Fraser Road, officials found insect-infested bread packets and seized and destroyed 20 litres of burnt oil. Samples of frozen meat and red chilli powder were collected for testing.At KFC’s Boring Canal Road outlet, officials stopped the use of 835 PET glasses stated to be meant for industrial use. They also found a damaged and unhygienic staircase leading to the storage area and vegetarian and non-vegetarian items stored together in a freezer, the release said.At other outlets, officials found poor kitchen hygiene, inadequate sanitation and improper food storage. Samples of chicken, mayonnaise, loose flour, red chilli powder and vegetable patties were collected from different outlets for laboratory testing. Dirty wall tiles, foul-smelling toilets and other hygiene-related lapses were also reported.Health department secretary-cum-food safety commissioner Kumar Ravi directed officials to intensify inspections across the state. The department instructed food business operators to ensure proper storage, cleanliness, safe processing and compliance with food safety standards. It said inspections and action against violations would continue during the festive season.