Baripada: In a major crackdown on fake traders active during the summer season, the Food Security Department along with Udala Police raided an illegal cold drink manufacturing unit at Raidandia village under Udala block today.
The raid revealed that Sipun Behera of Raidandia village was running the unauthorised unit from his house. He was allegedly producing fake soft drinks under the brand name ‘Fresh’ by mixing harmful colours and chemicals. The fake beverages had no manufacturing or expiry dates printed on the bottles, raising serious health concerns.
Officials described the product as “slow poison” being sold in the open market. During the raid, authorities seized a large number of filled bottles, empty bottles, labels, harmful colours, packing materials, and the manufacturing machine.
Fake soft drinks were also recovered from the shop of the accused. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
