In a statewide drive to ensure safe and hygienic food during the festive season, the Food Safety Department under Commissioner Dr Poma Tudu has conducted extensive inspections across districts, sub‑divisions, and urban areas.
Officials confirmed that 3,605 kg of adulterated and substandard food items have been destroyed, while 475 samples were collected for testing. A total of Rs 2,84,500 in fines has been imposed on violators.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded the highest seizure, with 787 kg of food destroyed, 61 samples collected, and ₹68,500 in fines. In Cuttack (KMC), 570 kg of food was destroyed, while Rourkela (RMC) reported 123 kg. District‑level drives saw 120 kg destroyed in Puri, 98 kg in Balasore, 95 kg each in Dhenkanal and Kendrapara, and 70 kg in Sundargarh.
Heavy fines were imposed in Kendrapada (Rs 44,000), Dhenkanal (Rs 28,000), and Bhadrak (Rs 31,500).
The department emphasised that the campaign aims to ensure safe food supply to consumers and raise awareness among traders about compliance with food safety standards. Officials confirmed that such inspections will continue in the coming days, urging consumers to check quality, cleanliness, and labelling before purchase.
