With Diwali festivities just around the corner, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a major crackdown on sweet shops across the city to ensure food safety standards are met during the peak festival season.
Surprise Inspections Across the City
BMC's food safety squad conducted thorough inspections at numerous sweet establishments, focusing on hygiene practices, ingredient quality, and overall food safety compliance. The timing is crucial as thousands of residents prepare to purchase traditional sweets for Diwali celebrations.
31 Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing
During the extensive drive, food safety officials collected a total of 31 samples from various sweet shops. These samples have been sent to state food testing laboratories for detailed analysis to check for:
- Use of prohibited food colors and additives
- Quality of ingredients and raw materials
- Adulteration in milk and khoya products
- Overall food safety standards
Focus on Public Health Protection
"Our primary concern is ensuring that citizens can celebrate Diwali without worrying about food safety issues," stated a BMC official involved in the inspection drive. "We're taking strict measures to prevent the sale of substandard sweets during this festive period."
The inspections come amid growing concerns about food adulteration during major festivals when demand for sweets and confectionery items peaks significantly.
What Consumers Should Watch For
Food safety experts recommend that consumers purchasing Diwali sweets should:
- Buy from established and reputable shops
- Check for FSSAI license displayed at premises
- Avoid sweets with unusually bright colors
- Ensure proper packaging and hygiene standards
The BMC has warned that strict action will be taken against establishments found violating food safety norms, including potential fines and license cancellations.
