Cockroaches in Rasagola, Flies in Milk! BMC Raids Sweet Shops Ahead of Diwali in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6 (UDN): Festive celebrations may be around the corner, but serious food safety concerns have emerged in Odisha’s capital city. During a special inspection drive ahead of Diwali, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) reportedly discovered shocking unhygienic conditions at several sweet shops, including cockroaches inside Rasagola and flies floating in milk.

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The inspection team also found dirty and frothy deposits inside containers used for storing cooking oil and sugar syrup, raising questions about hygiene and food handling practices at some establishments.

With the demand for sweets witnessing a significant rise during the festive season, the findings have raised concerns over the quality and safety of food products being sold to consumers.

More Than 50 Kg of Sweets Destroyed

Taking action against the violations, the BMC food safety team inspected multiple sweet shops across Bhubaneswar and destroyed more than 50 kg of sweets that were found stale or unfit for consumption.

Shop owners were also penalised, with fines exceeding Rs 10,000 imposed for various violations detected during the drive.

Officials reportedly found that several shops were not properly displaying the manufacturing dates of sweets. The absence of such information makes it difficult for customers to determine how fresh the products are and raises concerns about the sale of sweets stored for extended periods.

The inspection drive also brought attention to concerns over the alleged use of harmful essences and potentially unsafe ingredients in certain sweets.

BMC Warns of Strict Action Against Violators

According to a food safety officer, inspections have been underway across Bhubaneswar for the past two to three months. However, some shopkeepers continue to disregard prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.

The officer warned that products found stale or unhygienic would be destroyed and that repeated violations could invite stringent action, including the sealing of shops.

The civic body is continuing its inspection campaign to ensure that sweets and other food products sold during the festive season meet the required safety and hygiene standards.

Consumers Urged to Be Cautious

The revelations have also sparked concern among customers visiting sweet shops for Diwali purchases.

A customer who witnessed the inspection drive stressed the need for greater awareness while purchasing sweets, urging people to check product quality and freshness before buying.

With Diwali approaching, the latest findings serve as a reminder that festive shopping should not come at the cost of public health. Consumers are advised to purchase sweets from hygienic establishments, check manufacturing and expiry details wherever applicable, and avoid products that appear stale or improperly stored.