Cuttack: Makeshift beverages shop-owners in the city are resorting to unhealthy practices to, caring two hoots for the health of their customers. Shocking facts emerged as a Food Safety team of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) conducted surprise raids on ‘lassi’ and ‘sharbat’ shops here on Tuesday.
According to Food Safety Officer Satyabrata Mohapatra, a number of lassi makers used stale curd to prepare the drink. “It was shocking to note that curd stored for long, which had fermented was being used to make lassi. It would only lead to health complications,” he said.
Mohapatra added that the essence used for flavouring the beverage was of industrial standards which can result in liver disorders, gastritis, colitis, and other diseases upon consumption. “The essence had a very strong flavour and colour. The stain could not be removed easily from hands even after washing thoroughly,” he said, following an inspection.
Most of these shops which were raided today are unregistered. The lassi makers who were adopting unhygienic practices have been issued a strict warning and directed to get themselves registered with the Food Safety wing of the CMC.
“We have asked them to price the items sensibly and but give quality and healthy product to the customers. If these shop owners do not get registered within 7 days, strong action will be initiated against them,” Mohapatra added.
Apart from the lassi shops, the CMC team also carried out inspections at different places where street vendors were advised to maintain hygiene and provide good quality food to customers.
