Koraput, Jan 31: The Food Safety Department conducted a series of raids across the city and its outskirts, uncovering unhygienic practices in food production and violations of safety regulations.

During an inspection on Saturday, authorities raided a noodle factory in Teliguda, where noodles were reportedly being prepared from flour that had been eaten by rats. The factory operated without a license, stored ingredients directly on the floor, and lacked employee health certificates. Samples were collected for testing, and the factory owner was fined ₹60,000. Sales were immediately halted until lab reports were received, with a seven-day deadline for depositing the fine.

The inspection team included District Food Safety Officer Pankajini Beuria, food inspectors, and police personnel. “The premises were unhygienic, and critical documents were missing,” the officials stated.

The team also visited the Omfed factory near Railway Station-Papermill Road, where a strong foul odor was noted, and sanitation standards were found lacking. Weighing machines, however, were functioning properly.

In addition, several hotels and wholesale shops along National Highway-326 and Kumbharsahi Bypass were inspected. A hotel was found without a water testing report, and stale food was seized from another. Authorities also discovered expired products at a cold storage wholesale shop, which were ordered to be returned to the supplier. An egg and cold storage shop near Rajanar Chowk was operating without a food license; sales were immediately stopped until proper licensing was obtained.

Notices have been issued to all offending establishments. The administration’s inspections have been largely welcomed, with public calls for regular checks and strict action against violators.