Bhubaneswar: In a crackdown on adulterated food, around 100 kg of loose paneer (chenna) was seized and destroyed in the Unit-4 area of Bhubaneswar after it failed the basic adulteration test conducted on the spot.
According to officials, 12 loose paneer samples from different local outlets were found suspicious during the preliminary testing and have been collected for further examination and necessary action.
The action comes as Food Safety officials are conducting raids at restaurants across Bhubaneswar over allegations of adulterated paneer being sold.
Meanwhile, a six-member enforcement team is currently inspecting restaurants at The World Mall.
It is learnt that food safety enforcement has been intensified in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar ahead of Raksha Bandhan and other festivities in August and September, following directions from Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu.
In the last two days alone, around 71 quintals of suspected adulterated paneer valued at nearly Rs 17.75 lakh and 66 kg of stale and unhygienic food have been seized during enforcement drives across the twin cities.
In Cuttack, a joint enforcement team of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), led by Health Officer Dr Nupendra Satpathy, had earlier conducted raids at several locations in the Link Road area on August 18 and 19 and seized around 70 quintals of adulterated paneer.
Officials informed that similar food safety checks will continue across the city to ensure food quality during the festive season.
