Civic body food squad conducts raids on sweet shops in Cuttack in Odisha

Cuttack: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation food squad today carried out raids on sweet shops in the city to check quality and safety of confectioneries ahead of Durga Puja celebrations in the State. The move was initiated by the civic body keeping in mind safety standards of food consumed by people in the upcoming festive season.

Sources said keeping an eye on Durga Puja festivities when the sale of sweets surges, the raids were conducted to ensure that sweet shops do not sell stale products or use harmful and excessive colours in the food items. While many sweet shops were shut down over quality issues, others were warned to adhere to the food safety guidelines failing which necessary action would be taken.

Sweets are an integral part of Durga Puja celebrations. People, families bond over lip-smacking delicacies. While the confectionaries made during this period are extremely visually appealing, the use of harmful additives, artificial colours and stale products in making of these food items are often ignored which raises health concerns, the food squad members said, adding that the raids will keep a tab on quality of products that go into making of sweets by various manufactures in the city.

Extending support to the CMC raids, many local businessmen shared that the monitoring will keep food manufactures on their toes.

“We were informed about the branding, expiry date and best before use practices by the CMC food quad. They also made us aware on the food colours and which ones to use. We clarified our doubts and this is a good move to ensure that the items we manufacture are safe and fit for consumption,” said one of the sweet shop owners.

The searches will be intensified in the coming days to ensure food safety for consumers not just during the festive season but throughout the year, civic body sources informed.