Following instructions from the state Health and Family Welfare Department, food safety enforcement has been intensified across Odisha to curb the sale of unsafe and adulterated food items during the ongoing rainy and festive season.
An official statement issued on Friday noted that Odisha State Food Safety Commissioner Dr Poma Tudu ordered inspections across all urban local bodies, industrial growth centres, and rural markets.
These enforcement drives targeted food vendors throughout 30 districts and six municipal corporations, including Bhubaneswar (BMC), Cuttack (CMC), Rourkela (RMC), Puri, Sambalpur (SMC), and Berhampur (BeMC).
During inspections conducted between August 25 and 27, authorities seized and destroyed 3,605 kg of spoiled sweets and stale food. Joint raids collected 475 samples for chemical testing, levied fines totalling Rs 2,84,500 on non-compliant vendors, and issued show-cause notices to 189 food establishments.
Dr Pratikshya Mohapatra, Food Safety Designated Officer at State Headquarters, said that appropriate legal action will be initiated once laboratory test reports are finalised and official responses to the notices are reviewed.
“Joint raids are being conducted in close coordination among the departments of home, housing and urban development and urban local bodies. Sixty‑one food safety teams have been constituted for the purpose. Food establishments and vendors have been warned of more strenuous action in the coming days in the interest of public health,” officials stated.
Dr Tudu instructed all district teams to continue their monitoring efforts, maintain constant vigil over repeat offenders, and ensure strict legal measures are pursued. Meanwhile, the state government has cautioned consumers to thoroughly inspect the freshness, hygiene, and labelling of food items before purchasing.
