Bhubaneswar: Food safety enforcement has been intensified in the twin cities of Kataka and Bhubaneswar ahead of Raksha Bandhan and other festivities in August and September, following directions from Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu.
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 conducted across the twin cities over the past two days.
In Kataka, a joint enforcement team of the Kataka Municipal Corporation (KMC), led by Health Officer Dr Nupendra Satpathy, conducted raids at several locations on August 18 and 19 and seized 71 quintals of suspected adulterated paneer.
According to Food Safety Officer Rashmita Behera, the enforcement team came across information about the supply of adulterated paneer during routine inspections in the KDA (CDA sectors) area. Further inquiry revealed that the paneer was being supplied to hotels and shops through autos and was reportedly sourced from the Niali area.
Acting on the information, the KMC food safety wing conducted raids at Press Chhak, Link Road and the railway line area, where traders allegedly parked vehicles before distributing the paneer to different shops and hotels.
The seized paneer, estimated to be worth around Rs 17.75 lakh, was transported to the dumping yard at Satichaura with police assistance. Samples were collected and sent to a laboratory for chemical analysis.
Food safety officials said further legal action would be initiated after the laboratory reports are received. The CMC has also intensified efforts to trace the manufacturing units allegedly involved in producing the adulterated paneer.
In Bhubaneswar, joint enforcement drives were conducted at various malls and food establishments under the leadership of Designated Officer Satyajit Patel.
The raids covered Nexus Esplanade at Rasulgarh, Symphony Mall at Hanspal, DN Regalia at Patrapada, and food outlets in the CRPF, Rasulgarh and Kalinganagar areas.
Around 66 kg of stale and unhygienic food was seized during the inspections. Ten samples were collected for laboratory testing, while closure notices were served on six food establishments for violations.
Food safety officials said enforcement drives would continue regularly across the twin cities to ensure compliance with food safety norms and prevent the sale of adulterated or unhygienic food items during the festive season.
Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu has directed officials to continue the enforcement activities and ensure appropriate legal action against those found violating food safety regulations.
