In a major step to curb food contamination during the monsoon, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has destroyed nearly 100 kilograms of stale food and levied fines totalling Rs 15,000 on hotels, eateries, and fast-food vendors across the city.
The action is part of BMC’s intensified food safety campaign, launched after diarrhoeal outbreaks were reported in several areas of the city. According to The Times of India, the civic body is conducting large-scale inspections to ensure food hygiene standards are maintained during the rainy season.
Inspections Across 17 Locations
Officials conducted inspections at 17 locations where food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing. While test results are awaited, food items already found to be stale or stored in unhygienic conditions were destroyed on the spot.
Over 200 food stalls, sweet shops, and restaurants were checked, with a focus on storage conditions, cleanliness, and safe handling of ingredients. Vendors were strictly cautioned against serving leftover food. Officials have warned that repeat violations will invite closure notices in addition to monetary penalties.
Two specialised teams — the Sanitation and Hygiene Inspection for Neat Environment (SHINE) unit and the food enforcement squad — have been deployed to carry out inspections across Bhubaneswar’s 67 wards.
Focus on Street Food and Water Safety
This latest crackdown follows similar raids in June, when stale sweets, expired bread, fish, and discoloured cooked items were seized and destroyed near SUM Hospital and other busy areas. Those raids came after diarrhoeal cases were reported in Niladri Vihar and Ghatikia, leading to city-wide monitoring of food safety.
As part of the current drive, authorities are also conducting random checks on water quality, looking for the presence of unauthorised food colours or preservatives, and preventing storage of stale materials for later use.
Officials said that these checks will continue through the monsoon to minimise health risks for residents and curb the spread of water- and food-borne diseases.
