Significant Update 

The food safety system in Odisha has come under sharp focus after Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the Assembly that officials detected food adulteration across 29 districts. The Health Department has listed several commonly consumed items as adulterated, including staples such as rice, flour, edible oils, spices, and biscuits. Officials also found issues in certain branded products. Khordha district recorded the highest number of affected items, with several commonly consumed grocery products failing safety checks.

Adulterated Horlicks Seized Across Districts

Authorities seized adulterated stocks of the popular health drink Horlicks from Boudh, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, and Mayurbhanj districts. The seizures indicate that counterfeit or tampered products are circulating in local markets. Although the Minister did not disclose the exact quantity seized or the nature of contamination, the findings have raised concerns among parents and elderly consumers who rely on health drinks for nutrition. Following the seizures, officials intensified inspections across the state.

Everyday Food Items Found Adulterated

The problem extends beyond health drinks. Food safety teams identified adulteration in milk, curd, bread, spices, mustard oil, sunflower oil, refined flour (maida), biscuits, snacks, chhatua, sauces, soybeans, ghee, butter, sugar, papad, chocolates, noodles, and even edible salt. In several cases, laboratory tests revealed that the products were unsafe or toxic for consumption.

Government Steps Up Enforcement

The state has deployed 63 food safety officers to conduct raids, collect samples, and send them to government laboratories in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Minister Mahaling assured strict enforcement and warned manufacturers against engaging in adulteration. Authorities have urged citizens to stay vigilant, check packaging carefully, and purchase food products only from authorised and trusted sources while inspections continue.

Source: Odisha Connect