Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UDN): Ahead of Diwali, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up its food safety surveillance across the city, cracking down on sweet shops allegedly selling stale and unhygienic food products. During inspections on Thursday, officials destroyed around 40 kg of substandard food items and collected nearly Rs 8,000 in fines for various violations.
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One of the major violations came to light during a raid at Bengali Sweets, also known as Bengali Ganguram, in Sailashree Vihar. The inspection team reportedly found several sweets and other food products that failed to meet basic hygiene and safety standards.
More than 20 kg of sweets, including Rasgullas and other varieties, were destroyed. Officials also disposed of Gulab Jamun, stale sugar syrup, Kaju Barfi, Chhena Jhili, flour, maida and sauce found at the outlet and other shops inspected in the area.
Sweets Displayed as Fresh Found Spoiled
During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered sweets displayed in showcases that appeared fresh but emitted a foul smell. Some products were also found without expiry dates, raising concerns over their safety for consumption.
The team further found stale food items and fried Vadas kept in the open, exposing them to dust and other contaminants.
A customer who witnessed the enforcement drive urged people to remain cautious while purchasing sweets, particularly during the festive season. The customer advised consumers to check the freshness and quality of food products before buying them.
BMC Warns of Strict Action Against Violators
A Food Safety Officer said the corporation had intensified inspections across Bhubaneswar to prevent the sale of unsafe food during the festive season.
According to the officer, approximately 40 kg of stale and unhygienic food had been destroyed so far, while fines amounting to nearly Rs 8,000 had been collected from establishments found violating food safety norms.
The officer warned that shopkeepers must maintain proper hygiene and ensure the quality of products being sold to customers. Establishments continuing to violate the rules could face stringent action, including sealing of shops and cancellation of licences.
Shop Owner Fined Rs 2,000
The shopkeeper of the inspected outlet was reportedly fined Rs 2,000 and assured officials that quality sweets would be supplied to customers in the future.
The BMC said its food safety inspections had been underway for the past two to three months. However, despite repeated checks and warnings, certain establishments were allegedly continuing to disregard prescribed food safety standards.
With Diwali approaching, the corporation has indicated that enforcement measures will be intensified further to protect consumers from contaminated, expired and unhygienic food products.
Officials have also urged sweet shop owners to strictly follow food safety regulations, maintain cleanliness and ensure that all products sold to customers are fresh and fit for consumption.