Puri, Sept. 18 (UDN): A joint enforcement team on Thursday carried out inspections at several khaja shops and manufacturing units in the vicinity of Srimandir in Puri following complaints and information about unhygienic food preparation.
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The operation was conducted by officials from the Food Safety and Civil Supplies departments, the municipal enforcement team and the police.
During the inspection, officials reportedly found khaja being prepared under conditions considered unsafe for food production. The identified stock was seized and handed over to the municipality for disposal.
Officials also found domestic LPG cylinders being used at some of the units. The cylinders were seized by the Civil Supplies Department and will be examined to determine whether their use violated applicable regulations.
Joint Enforcement Drive
Puri City DSP Rashmi Ranjan Mahapatra said the authorities had received information about khaja-making units operating in unhygienic conditions.
“Considering public safety, a joint raid was conducted today,” Mahapatra said, adding that food safety, civil supply and municipal enforcement officials participated in the operation along with police personnel.
The Food Safety Officer inspected the preparation areas and identified food items that were considered unfit for consumption. These products were subsequently handed over to the municipality for destruction.
Action Against Violators
Officials said fines were being imposed on shopkeepers found violating food-safety requirements. Further verification of the seized LPG cylinders is also underway.
The enforcement drive comes amid concerns over food safety in and around Puri, where khaja is a popular traditional sweet and is widely purchased by pilgrims and tourists visiting the temple city.
Authorities said such inspections are intended to ensure that food sold to the public is prepared and handled in hygienic conditions.
The latest action follows another recent food-safety incident in Puri district in which several people reportedly fell ill after consuming dahi bara, prompting renewed attention to hygiene standards among food vendors.