Bhadrak: The Food Safety Department on Wednesday conducted raids at the Bhadrak Kali Puja Fair in Charampa and destroyed a large quantity of stale and adulterated food items following inspections that allegedly revealed the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG), commonly known as ‘Chinese salt’, and artificial food colours.
Two teams, each comprising six members, carried out inspections at food stalls across the fairground as part of the enforcement drive. The officials also checked the food licences of vendors operating in the Charampa area.
During the inspections, the teams reportedly found several vendors using artificial colours in food preparations and selling stale food items, raising concerns over food safety amid the large gathering of devotees at the fair.
The authorities subsequently destroyed the stale and artificially coloured food products found at various stalls and imposed fines on the vendors found violating food safety norms.
The historic Kali Puja celebrations in Bhadrak district attract a large number of devotees to the Charampa area every year. However, reports of alleged food adulteration at the fair have raised concerns over the quality and safety of food being sold to visitors.
The Food Safety Officer warned that strict action would be taken against vendors found violating food safety regulations. Shops repeatedly found engaging in food adulteration could face sealing or closure, the official cautioned.
The enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring food safety and preventing the sale of adulterated and unhygienic food items during the festive celebrations.
