[Watch] Major Crackdown On Eateries In Odisha’s Berhampur; Over Rs 90K Fine Collected, Girija Restaurant Sealed

Berhampur: Heavy penalties were imposed on eateries in Odisha’s Silk City following a joint raid by Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC), city health officer, sub-collector, pollution control board officials, labour department officials, assistant civil supplies officer (ACSO), enforcement officer and food safety officials on Wednesday evening.

The raids were carried out on seven restaurants, two sweet stalls, and two jewellery shops. The fine was imposed on the ground of unhygienic food preparation, use of polythene, and poor sanitation. A few restaurants were also sealed.

According to sources, Rs 92,000 penalty was collected from different places, including Bombay kitchen (Rs 20,000 fine), New Biriyani Centre ( Rs 15,000 fine), Hyderabad Biryani (Rs 14,000 fine), Girija Restaurant (sealed and Rs 12,000 fine), Nandan International (Rs 10,000 fine), Sahu Sweets ( Rs 8000 fine), Balaji Sweets (Rs 8000 fine), Hindustan Cakery (Rs 5000 fine).

Besides, Kiran Restaurant and Pintu kitchen were sealed for violating solid waste management rules, civil supply rules, parking provisions, polythene use, and use of food colours.

The officials also raided Tanishq and Kalyan jewellers outlets and inspected all relevant documents.

“We found many gross violations due to which hefty fines were imposed on several outlets and a few were sealed. Many of them used domestic cylinders for cooking, cooked food in open spaces meant for parking and used expired food colours. The sanitation norms were also thrown to the wind and there was no segregation of waste,” BeMC commissioner J Sonal told the media.

The commissioner further said that there will be stricter checking in the days to come. He further appealed to the denizens of the city to stay aware of hazardous food substances while dining in restaurants.