With Rakhi Purnima around the corner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up its drive against adulterated sweets and dairy products in the capital city.
On Tuesday, the health and food safety team carried out a major raid at the famous Pahala sweet market, checking chhena, paneer, and other items for possible adulteration.
Officials arrived with a mobile testing van, collecting samples from every shop in the market. Suspicious samples were sent to laboratories for detailed examination. BMC Food Safety Officer S. Patel stated that if adulteration is confirmed, the products will be destroyed and legal action will be taken against the shopkeepers.
The crackdown comes amid rising demand for sweets and paneer during the festive season. In recent days, stale and adulterated paneer has been seized and destroyed at several locations in the city, with fines imposed on violators.
Shopkeepers at Pahala, however, insisted they maintain quality standards, claiming their products are pure and safe for customers. During the raid, officials inspected rasagolas, chhena, and paneer stored in various containers.
BMC has assured that regular checks will continue, with strict monitoring of adulterated and stale food items. The campaign aims to ensure that citizens receive safe and hygienic food during Rakhi and upcoming festivals.
