Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its food safety enforcement drive ahead of Diwali, destroying 103 kg of stale sweets, collecting Rs 15,000 in fines and gathering nine food samples for laboratory testing during inspections at sweet shops across the city.
The drive covered Sailashree Vihar, Damana Square and Infocity, where Food Safety officials inspected outlets to check compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
During a raid at a sweet shop, in Sailashree Vihar, officials reportedly found sweets and other food items that were stale, unhygienic or lacked expiry-date information. More than 20 kg of Rasgullas and other sweets, along with Gulab Jamun, Kaju Barfi, Chhena Jhili, stale syrups, flour, maida, sauce and fried Vadas, were among the items found during the inspections.
A Food Safety Officer said enforcement operations had been continuing across Bhubaneswar for the past two to three months, but some establishments were still violating food safety norms. Around 40 kg of stale food items were destroyed and nearly Rs 8,000 in fines collected during a separate round of inspections on Thursday, the officer said.
Shopkeepers have been warned against selling substandard food products and instructed to maintain proper hygiene and quality standards. The officer cautioned that repeated violations could invite stringent action, including sealing of establishments and cancellation of food licences.
The shopkeeper of the inspected outlet said a fine of Rs 2,000 had been imposed and assured officials that quality sweets would be supplied.
BMC said the enforcement campaign would continue to ensure that consumers have access to safe and hygienic food during the festive season.
