Customer Spots Expired Bhujia, Manager Denies Complaint

Food safety officials in Rayagada, Odisha, imposed a Rs 1 lakh fine on Vishal Mega Mart on Monday after finding expired food items for sale at the store. The action followed a complaint from customer Sangram Patnaik, who discovered a packet of bhujia purchased on May 14 had expired two days earlier. Patnaik returned to the store with the expired packet and receipt, but the store manager dismissed his concerns, claiming the item was not from their stock.

Food Safety Team Conducts Raid, Finds Multiple Violations

After receiving Patnaik’s complaint, the Food Safety Department launched an inspection at Vishal Mega Mart. Led by food safety officer Jyoti Prakash Soren, the three-member team uncovered several expired products, including namkeen and pickles. They also found some food items improperly packed, raising further concerns about safety standards. The officials seized samples of the expired food and sent them for laboratory testing as part of the ongoing investigation.

Source: The New Indian Express