Bhubaneswar, August 28: In Odisha, the Health and Family Welfare Department has intensified enforcement of food safety regulations to curb the sale of unsafe and adulterated food items during the festival season, coinciding with continuous rainfall.
According to an official statement released by State Food Safety Commissioner Dr. Poma Tudu on Friday, raids have been ordered across all urban bodies, growth centers, and rural markets. Raids were conducted in 30 districts and six municipal corporations, including Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC), Puri, Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC), and Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BEMC).
Officials reported that during the raids conducted between August 25 and 27, a total of 3,605 kilograms of spoiled sweets and stale food were seized and destroyed. Joint raiding teams collected 475 suspicious samples for chemical testing. A fine of ₹284,500 was imposed on shop owners, and 189 food establishments received notices.
Dr. Pritika Mahapatra, the designated food safety officer at the state headquarters, stated that further legal action will be taken based on responses from the establishments that received notices and investigation reports.
Officials noted, “Joint raids are being conducted in close coordination with the Home Department, Housing and Urban Development Department, and urban local bodies. A total of 61 food safety teams have been formed. Strict action has been warned for establishments and vendors in the coming days.”
Dr. Tudu instructed all district teams to continue monitoring compliance activities, keep a close watch on violators, and ensure appropriate legal action is taken. The state government has advised consumers to check the quality, hygiene, and labeling of food products before making purchases.
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