Food Safety / Food Safety Raids ahead of Raksha Bandhan in Odisha

Balangir, Aug 26: Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the Food Safety Department has intensified inspections in Balangir and Titilagarh to curb the sale of substandard or unsafe sweets and dairy products. With festive demand rising, officials moved into action mode to ensure food quality and consumer safety.

In Balangir town, the Food Safety team, assisted by Sadar police, conducted surprise checks across several shops. During the operation, nine food samples were collected and sent to laboratories for testing.

Authorities seized and destroyed four kilograms of stale food and 20 expired items in the presence of officials. Three establishments were served show‑cause notices, and fines amounting to ₹2,000 were imposed on violators.

Also read: Floodwaters Recede in Odisha, Baitarani and Salandi Rivers Flow Below Danger Mark

Similar raids were carried out in Titilagarh municipal area. Officials collected 13 samples, including paneer, khua, chhena, and assorted sweets, for laboratory analysis. During inspections, approximately 20 kilograms of stale and unhygienic food were confiscated and destroyed.

Violating shopkeepers were fined a total of ₹8,500. Authorities warned that strict legal action would follow if test results confirm violations of food safety standards.

Combined, the two operations resulted in the collection of 22 food samples, destruction of more than 24 kilograms of unsafe food, and fines totalling ₹10,500.

Officials emphasized that adulteration, use of inferior ingredients, or sale of unhygienic food would not be tolerated under any circumstances during the festive season.

The administration has cautioned shopkeepers to maintain strict compliance with food safety norms.