The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) carried out a surprise food safety raid at the ongoing Bali Yatra 2025 on Saturday morning. The inspection aimed to ensure that all food stalls at the popular fair maintained proper hygiene and followed quality standards.
Officials from the Food Safety Department inspected several stalls across the venue, especially inside the ORMAS section, after receiving reports of unhygienic practices.
Stale and Unsafe Food Seized
During the raid, inspectors discovered stale and expired food items, including large quantities of spoiled yoghurt unfit for consumption. Some vendors were also found using reused cooking oil and artificial food colours, both of which pose serious health risks.
A Food Safety Inspector stated,
“Some vendors are using yoghurt from recognized brands, but the date markings have faded, suggesting the items are at least five days old and unsafe for consumption. We have also found vendors using artificial food colours, which are harmful and have been banned.”
Officials further noted that the quality of cooking oil used by some stalls was extremely poor, having been reused several times until it turned thick like engine oil.
Health Concerns and Enforcement
The food safety officer added,
“Stale food can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and other stomach-related illnesses. The foul smell and unclear expiry dates clearly show they are unfit for sale.”
A mobile food testing lab was deployed to test samples of paneer and other dairy products on-site. Based on the findings, fines were imposed on violators, and stale food items were destroyed immediately to ensure public safety.
Public Safety Prioritized During Festivities
The raid took place just a day after the Chadakhai celebrations, when a surge of visitors was recorded at the fair. The CMC assured that strict monitoring will continue throughout the event to maintain food safety standards and protect visitors’ health.
The Bali Yatra, one of Odisha’s most celebrated cultural events, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The CMC’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to ensuring a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for everyone.
