Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on unhygienic food preparation, officials of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted raid at a gupchup-making unit in the city on Wednesday.
According to sources, the Food Safety team of the BMC conducted the raid at the factory located in Kharvel Nagar area of the city following reports that the popular snack was being prepared and stored in unhygienic conditions.
During the inspection, officials seized a large quantity of gupchup along with raw materials and other items used in its preparation.
It was found that gupchup was being kept on a mat in highly unhygienic conditions, raising serious concerns over food safety and sanitation.
It was also alleged that the gupchup was being prepared and stored inside a toilet, prompting further concern.
The unit had been warned several times in the past and samples had also been collected, sources said.
Though the food safety team had reportedly provided training on maintaining proper hygiene while preparing and serving gupchup, violations continued to take place.
Water samples have also been collected for testing and documentation. Insects were allegedly found around the gupchup water, raising serious concerns about hygiene and health safety.
Following the raid and detection of unhygienic practices adopted at the unit, appropriate steps are likely to be taken against the factory, sources said.