Bhubaneswar: Intensified food safety enforcement drives in the twin cities of Kataka and Bhubaneswar have led to the seizure of around 71 quintals of adulterated paneer and 66 kg of stale, unhygienic food over the past two days.
Six food establishments have been issued closure notices.
The crackdown was ordered by Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu ahead of Raksha Bandhan and the festive season in August and September.
In Cuttack, a joint enforcement team of the Kataka Municipal Corporation (KMC), led by Health Officer Dr Nupendra Satpathy, seized approximately 71 quintals of adulterated paneer valued at about ₹17.75 lakh. Food Safety Officer Rashmita Behera said the team came across adulterated paneer during routine checks in the CDA area, where it was being supplied to a hotel. Further investigation revealed the product was sourced from Nilai area and distributed via autos.
Acting on this information, KMC food safety officials, with police assistance, conducted coordinated raids on 18 and 19 August at Press Chhak and the Link Road, where traders parked vehicles to supply hotels and shops. The seized paneer was transported to a dumping yard in Satichaura. Samples have been sent to a laboratory for detailed chemical analysis, and further legal action will follow once the results are received.
Officials described the adulterated paneer as a potential slow poison and said efforts are under way to identify and act against the manufacturing units.
In Bhubaneswar, joint raids led by Designated Officer Satyajit Patel targeted several malls and food outlets, including Nexus Esplanade at Rasulgarh, Symphony Mall at Hanspal, DN Regalia at Patrapada, and shops in the CRPF, Rasulgarh and Kalinganagar areas. Teams seized about 66 kg of stale and unhygienic food, collected ten samples for testing, and served closure notices to six establishments.
Food Safety Commissioner Poma Tudu has directed officials to conduct regular enforcement and ensure strict legal proceedings against offenders.