Food safety authorities intensified their enforcement drive across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on Tuesday, inspecting around 20 food outlets ahead of the upcoming festive season. Several well-known food chains, including KFC and Burger King, were among the establishments inspected during the operation.
The inspections were aimed at checking whether restaurants and food businesses were complying with food safety regulations and maintaining proper standards in food preparation, storage and handling.
10 Show-Cause Notices Issued
According to officials, inspections were carried out at multiple locations across Bhubaneswar, including Surya Nagar, Jagamara, Jayadev Vihar, Nayapalli, Kalinga Nagar and Patia.
City Food Safety Officer Satyajit Patel said that approximately 10 show-cause notices were issued to food establishments during the latest enforcement action.
Officials also destroyed around 60 kg of food products that were reportedly found unfit for consumption.
The action forms part of the department’s efforts to prevent the sale or serving of unsafe food, particularly at a time when food consumption at restaurants and eateries generally increases during the festive season.
Wow! Momo Warehouse Sealed In Cuttack
The enforcement drive also extended to Cuttack, where authorities took action against a Wow! Momo warehouse at Bhanpur in the Sadar area.
Officials reportedly sealed the warehouse for alleged violations of food safety norms. Cuttack City Health Officer Dr Nrupendra Kumar Satapathy said a notice was also issued to the proprietor.
The action signals increased scrutiny of food businesses across the two major cities as authorities seek to ensure that establishments follow prescribed standards.
Food Safety Checks To Continue During Festive Season
Officials have indicated that inspections will be intensified across Bhubaneswar in the coming days.
City Food Safety Officer Satyajit Patel said the department would continue conducting raids and inspections during the festive season to ensure that food businesses comply with safety requirements.
The latest operation follows a three-day statewide enforcement campaign conducted from August 25 to 27, which covered all 30 districts and six municipal corporation areas of Odisha.
The campaign included major urban centres such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Puri, Sambalpur and Berhampur.
Over 3.6 Tonnes Of Unsafe Food Destroyed In Earlier Drive
The previous statewide campaign resulted in the seizure and disposal of 3,605 kg of stale sweets and other food products considered unsuitable for consumption.
Food safety teams also collected 475 samples from different establishments for laboratory testing to determine whether they met the required safety standards.
Authorities had also imposed penalties totalling Rs 2.84 lakh and issued notices to 189 food businesses for alleged violations during that enforcement exercise.
Authorities Warn Food Businesses Of Strict Action
The Food Safety Department has directed district-level teams to maintain regular inspections and surveillance of restaurants, eateries, warehouses and other food establishments.
With the festive season approaching, officials are expected to step up checks on food quality, storage conditions, hygiene practices and compliance with safety regulations.
The department has also warned food business operators that violations could invite further legal and enforcement action, reinforcing the focus on ensuring safe food for consumers across Odisha.
