Food Safety / Raid Exposes Bhubaneswar’s Favourite Snack: Shocking Truth behind Gupchup

Bhubaneswar, Oct 7: The aroma of Bhubaneswar’s beloved evening snack has suddenly been clouded by suspicion. What was once a symbol of carefree street‑food indulgence has now become the centre of a disturbing revelation.

Behind the bustling gupchup (panipuri) stalls that draw crowds in malls and markets, inspectors uncovered a hidden world of unhygienic kitchens, stale ingredients, and contaminated water.

The Food Safety Department’s raid in Unit‑3 peeled back the curtain on how the city’s favourite treat was being mass‑produced in shocking conditions — turning a simple pleasure into a serious public health concern.

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According to officials, the raid uncovered disturbing scenes: stale potatoes, insect‑infested peas, and contaminated water allegedly sourced from toilets being used to prepare the masala and khata pani (sour flavoured water).

Oil that had turned black from repeated use was found being used to fry the puris. The unhygienic conditions stunned the inspection team.

Investigators revealed that the preparation was not limited to one outlet but was spread across multiple houses in narrow lanes, where gupchup was being produced in bulk without licenses.

The Food Safety Department sealed the unit and destroyed sacks of gupchup deemed unfit for consumption. Samples of oil, masala, and water were collected and sent to laboratories for testing.

Officials confirmed that raids will continue across Bhubaneswar, especially ahead of the festive season, to ensure food safety standards are upheld. They warned that vendors preparing food in unhygienic environments without proper authorization will face strict action.

For residents, the revelation is alarming. Gupchup, a staple evening snack enjoyed by thousands in malls, markets, and roadside stalls, has now come under scrutiny.