Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Unhygienic Food at Khandagiri Mela
In a significant move to ensure public health, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken stringent action against food safety violations at the ongoing Khandagiri Mela. During surprise checks conducted on Tuesday, enforcement squads seized and destroyed a substantial 60 kilograms of stale and unhygienic food items from various eateries. This decisive step underscores the civic body's commitment to safeguarding consumers from potential health hazards.
Extensive Inspections Reveal Widespread Issues
The BMC's food safety wing deployed multiple teams to conduct random inspections across the mela grounds. As many as 40 food stalls were scrutinized, with samples collected for further analysis. The sub-standard food, including fast food items and local delicacies, was promptly discarded to prevent consumption. Designated food safety officer Satyajit Patel highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "We suspect the use of artificial colours and chemicals in food preparation. Laboratory tests will confirm these suspicions. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many shops continue to sell stale food and employ artificial additives."
Joint Efforts by Specialized Teams
The inspections are being carried out through a collaborative effort involving the mobile food safety laboratory team, the Sanitation and Hygiene Inspection for Neat Environment (SHINE) team, and the dedicated food enforcement squad. Notably, the SHINE team was established in August 2023 to enhance sanitation measures across the city. These teams are working in tandem to address hygiene lapses and enforce food safety standards rigorously.
Common Practices Leading to Health Risks
BMC officials pointed out several concerning practices among food vendors that pose serious health risks. A prevalent issue is the mixing of leftover food from previous days with freshly cooked items, which can lead to contamination and foodborne illnesses. Additionally, many stalls lack refrigeration facilities, resulting in food being stored for extended periods under unsuitable conditions. Patel emphasized, "Our primary goal is to ensure that visitors do not consume poor-quality food and suffer adverse effects. We are focusing on preventing the storage of stale food and promoting proper hygiene in food handling areas."
Scope of the Mela and Ongoing Vigilance
The Khandagiri Mela features a total of 580 stalls set up by the BMC, offering a diverse range of products. Among these, approximately 100 stalls are dedicated to food items. To maintain continuous oversight, the joint inspection teams have been instructed to conduct checks every evening until the fair concludes. The raids have so far targeted a variety of food offerings, including sweets, chaat, dahibara, ghugni, and numerous fast food outlets.
The proactive measures by the BMC aim to instill a culture of compliance and responsibility among food vendors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all mela attendees. With the inspections set to continue, authorities remain vigilant in their mission to uphold food safety standards and protect public health.
