A special food safety enforcement drive was conducted on Tuesday in the seabeach area of Puri to monitor hygiene standards and food quality at roadside stalls and fast-food outlets operating in the busy tourist zone.
The raid was carried out under the supervision of Food Safety Officer Rajeswari Pati along with officials from the Food Safety Department and police personnel.
35 Kg Unsafe Food Seized and Destroyed
During the inspection, authorities checked multiple food stalls for cleanliness, food handling practices, and compliance with food safety regulations.
Officials seized nearly 35 kilograms of unsafe and noxious food items from different vendors. The contaminated food items were immediately destroyed on the spot to prevent potential health risks to tourists and local residents.
The enforcement action comes amid increasing concerns over food hygiene in crowded tourist destinations during the summer travel season.
Fines Imposed on Violating Food Vendors
The Food Safety Department also imposed penalties on several defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) for violating food safety norms.
According to officials, a total fine amount of Rs 5,000 was collected during the drive.
Authorities warned vendors to maintain proper hygiene standards, use safe ingredients, and follow food safety guidelines strictly while preparing and serving food.
Surprise Inspections to Continue in Tourist Areas
Officials stated that similar surprise inspections will continue in tourist-heavy and crowded locations across Odisha to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food for the public.
The department emphasised that strict action would be taken against vendors found selling stale, contaminated, or unsafe food items.
The latest enforcement drive highlights the administration’s efforts to strengthen food safety measures in major tourist destinations like Puri, which witnesses a large influx of visitors throughout the year.
