Bhubaneswar: In response to the recent spike in diarrhea cases reported across various parts of Odisha, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday launched a series of surprise raids on hotels and eateries in the capital city.
Food safety officials conducted inspections at several restaurants and fast-food outlets, particularly in the Kalinga Nagar and Patia areas and imposed fines on establishments flouting hygiene and food safety norms.
During the raids, officials discovered stale food stored in kitchens and the use of harmful food-grade chemicals, including artificial coloring. At several eateries near a private hospital, the conditions were found to be particularly unsanitary. The BMC levied fines of Rs 2,000 on multiple establishments for operating in unhygienic environments and warned of stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
“We are no longer issuing warnings. If these violations continue, the BMC will take strict action, including sealing the premises. Today, our focus was on creating awareness, but going forward, we will act firmly,” said a food safety officer. “We found stale food and banned coloring agents being used. These were immediately destroyed and the eateries were strictly instructed to refrain from such practices.”
The official confirmed that fines totaling Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000 were collected during Monday’s operation.
BMC authorities emphasized that regular inspections will continue in the coming days as part of an ongoing campaign to ensure food safety and protect public health in Bhubaneswar.
