Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: Odisha has stepped up food safety inspections across Bhubaneswar and Kataka ahead of Raksha Bandhan and the upcoming festive season, with enforcement teams targeting suspected adulterated dairy products and unhygienic food items.
Pic Credit: Pexel
During raids conducted over the past two days, officials seized around 71 quintals of suspected adulterated paneer, estimated to be worth nearly Rs 17.75 lakh, in Kataka. In Bhubaneswar, enforcement teams also seized around 66 kg of stale and unhygienic food from various establishments.
The action followed directions from Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu to strengthen surveillance as demand for paneer, chhena, sweets and other food products rises during the festive period.
In Kataka, food safety officials received information about suspected adulterated paneer being supplied to hotels and shops. Joint teams subsequently carried out inspections at several locations, including areas around Press Chhak and Link Road. The seized paneer was removed for disposal, while samples were collected and sent for laboratory analysis. Officials said further legal action would be considered after the test reports are received.
The authorities are also working to trace the source of the suspected adulterated paneer and identify units allegedly involved in its manufacture and distribution.
In Bhubaneswar, enforcement teams inspected malls, restaurants and other food establishments in areas including Rasulgarh, Hanspal, Patrapada, CRPF and Kalinganagar. Ten food samples were collected for testing, while closure notices were issued to six establishments for alleged violations of food safety norms.
Separately, officials inspecting an Omfed booth near Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar reportedly found suspected adulteration in chhena stock. More than 50 kg of the product was discarded during the enforcement action. Samples of paneer were also collected and sent for laboratory examination, with officials noting that the final determination would depend on testing.
Authorities have advised consumers to remain alert while purchasing paneer, chhena and sweets during the festive season. Consumers should preferably buy dairy products from reliable and licensed outlets, check packaging and expiry information where applicable, and avoid products with unusual colour, texture, smell or appearance.
The Food Safety Department has said inspections will continue across the twin cities to prevent the circulation of adulterated and unhygienic food and to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.