Hotels in Bhubaneswar raided over substandard and stale food

In response to rising public health concerns, raids were conducted at several hotels in the capital city on Saturday following reports of substandard and stale food being sold to customers. 

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, has reportedly launched a crackdown on establishments violating food safety norms.

As per reports, officials are examining the quality of food and have imposed fines on outlets found selling low-quality items. The operation has covered all 67 wards of the city.

Stern actions taken

During the raids, large quantities of stale sweets and cooked food were seized and destroyed. Particularly in Ward No. 13, multiple sweet shops and hotels were raided, with challans issued for violations.

Must Read: BMC raids fruit stalls, eateries in Bhubaneswar amid diarrhoea outbreak fears; unhygienic conditions flagged

This stern action comes in the wake of a recent surge in diarrhoeal diseases across Odisha, prompting the BMC's Food Safety Department to take strict preventive measures to ensure public health and hygiene.

Earlier this week also, BMC and the Food Safety Department had launched a coordinated crackdown on food stalls, hotels, and eateries in the capital city.

A team of officials carried out surprise inspections near SUM Hospital, targeting roadside vendors, fruit sellers, and small restaurants. During the raids, stale fish, expired bread, and discoloured food items were seized and destroyed on the spot.

The move followed isolated diarrhoea outbreaks reported in Niladri Vihar and an apartment near Ghatikia, raising fears of a larger contamination issue.