TV
In a shocking revelation, a major food adulteration racket has come to light in the Pichipicha area under the Bada Bazar police limits of Berhampur, where an illegal sauce manufacturing unit was found mixing potentially harmful substances and selling them under the guise of branded products.
Acting on a tip-off, the local police, in coordination with the food safety squad, conducted a raid on a residential premise being used as a sauce production unit. During the operation, a large quantity of tomato sauce, synthetic food colors, flavoring powders, and packaging materials were seized. One individual has been detained for questioning, and further investigation is underway.
The factory was reportedly manufacturing various sauces—including tomato, chili, and soya sauce—using questionable ingredients such as potato powder, starch, tomato paste, and synthetic colorants. These were then packaged and distributed to various fast-food joints and snack vendors across the city under fake labels of reputed brands.
Officials said that synthetic colors and additives used in the sauces pose a significant health hazard. Mixing such chemicals in food products is extremely dangerous for public health. Samples have been collected for testing, and according to the officials appropriate action will be taken based on lab reports.
"They have got the state license for manufacturing sauce items and got a central license for manufacturing spicy items. However, they don't have permission to manufacture soya chunks and pickle items. Colours are used and production happens in an unhygienic environment. We have collected different samples, and after testing, the quality of the products could be revealed," said a food safety official.
In addition to sauces, the factory was also repackaging other items such as vinegar, pickles, spices, and soya chunks. Authorities are currently verifying whether the unit held any valid food safety licenses and whether its operations adhered to food safety standards.
Factory owner's claim
Meanwhile, the owner of the factory has claimed that all necessary licenses were in place and that their products undergo routine checks. However, the on-ground findings raise serious concerns about public safety.
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"I have got all the necessary permissions like food license, trade license, GST, MSME, and ISO. We are not manufacturing in an unhygienic environment. All other necessary measures will be taken after the testing reports of the samples come," said Prashant Panigrahi, owner of the company.
Local residents have expressed outrage, urging authorities to crack down on such adulterated food products being sold in the area.
“If strict action is not taken, this could endanger lives,” said a local resident.
Authorities have assured that a detailed report will be submitted and stern action will be taken against those responsible for endangering public health.
