Key Update

As part of its ongoing monsoon food safety initiative, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed two dedicated inspection teams to carry out field checks and collect food samples across the city. According to BMC officials, earlier lab tests revealed bacterial contamination in several food samples collected at the beginning of the monsoon. While new sample reports are still awaited, the civic body is ramping up surveillance to prevent further health risks. The inspection efforts are being led by the Sanitation and Hygiene Inspection for Neat Environment (SHINE) team along with the BMC’s food enforcement squad.

Focus on Street Food and Hygiene Practices

Officials from the food safety squad reported that spoiled fast food items and local delicacies are often discarded directly at the source during inspections. So far, three samples tested earlier in the season confirmed bacterial contamination. The teams now plan to conduct random checks at popular street food stalls, including those selling panipuri (gup-chup) and dahi bara-aloo dam, to test the quality of water used and overall hygiene conditions. “Lab tests will also help determine whether vendors are using non-permitted food colours or chemical preservatives,” an official added.

Previous Raids Covered Key Market Areas

Earlier rounds of inspection targeted high-footfall food hubs in Unit-I, Unit-II, Rasulgarh, and Palasuni. Officials observed a recurring issue where vendors store leftover food overnight and mix it with freshly prepared items the next day. “This practice makes the food unfit for consumption and poses a serious health risk,” said a senior official involved in the drive. The BMC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring food safety throughout the monsoon and warned that non-compliant vendors could face penalties, including fines and closure orders. 

Source: The Times of India