The ‘Chhena Poda’ horror in Bhubaneswar!

A reputed sweet shop in Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar landed in controversy after customers alleged that it sold stale and fungus-infested 'Chhena Poda'. 

As per the allegations, a buyer purchased a 500gm 'Chhena Poda' on Monday (August 4). However, when they reached a friend's home in the same area after a few minutes and cut the popular Odia delicacy to eat, they noticed a foul smell and visible fungal growth on the sweet. 

Shocked and concerned, they returned to the sweet shop and demanded an explanation. The shop owner was reportedly not there at the time of incident but he was informed about the matter by his workers there. 

The owner allegedly refused to listen to the concerns of the consumers and instructed his workers to replace the 'Chhena Poda'.

It soon triggered public outrage and the owner had to come. However, he allegedly continued to show his high-headedness and even threatened the consumers.

As the victims couldn't contact the food safety officials in the region, they reached out to Khandagiri Police. The cops soon rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. They even warned the shopkeeper against the sale of unhygienic or expired food items violating the food safety norms.

Meanwhile, consumers have urged the concerned authorities to take strict action, stressing that public health should never be compromised for profit.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety standards being followed by such sweet shops in the capital city of Odisha and if they really bother about public health, heavy fines or even cancellation of their shop’s license.