BMC destroys over 60 kg substandard food in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on roadside eateries selling stale edibles, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) today destroyed more than 60 kg substandard food in the capital city and imposed a fine of Rs 16,000 on the shopkeepers.

A special squad of the civic body conducted surprise raids at street food outlets near Master Canteen Square– Green Chilly, Khata Mitha, Tiffin Stall at Ram Mandir, Hotel Sai Krupa, Hotel Maa Tarini, Kuk Doo Koo Restaurant, Panipuri stall near Railway Station etc. Upon checking, BMC Food Safety Officer Satya Ranjan Patel found that all these roadside eateries are flouting the norms and selling very poor quality food such as chicken biryani, chicken rolls, fish, crabs, dalma, paneer etc.

The special squads are also keeping an eye on the use of artificial colour in the food items. The civic body has served notice to these roadside eateries to comply to the norms and maintain the quality of street food according to the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Besides, the roadside eateries were told to ensure that social distancing norms are followed and avoid large crowds in front of their stalls in morning and evening.

The roadside vendors, restaurants were asked and given warnings to ensure that every food item they serve is hygienically prepared. Clean and safe drinking water should be used for cooking purpose, surroundings of kitchen and food courts should be neat and clean. Besides, food items and edible oils should be used fresh.

The Civic Body has made it mandatory for all food joints to display their food licence in their kiosks. Those food sellers or vendors of BMC area who do not have food licence have been directed to apply for it.