Cuttack, Nov 8: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) health department carried out a raid at the Baliyatra fair on Saturday, disposing of large quantities of stale food. The raid took place at the lower grounds of the historic Ghadaghadia venue, marking the third day of the Baliyatra festival.

Despite regular inspections, some food vendors have continued to sell substandard, stale, or low-quality food. In response to this ongoing issue, the CMC has set up special inspection squads to check food quality twice a day. These teams are tasked with inspecting food items at both the upper and lower Baliyatra grounds, taking immediate action if complaints are received or violations are found.

"Every year, people flock to Baliyatra to enjoy a wide variety of foods. However, there have been instances where the quality of food has led to health concerns among visitors. This year, we are focused on ensuring that only fresh and high-quality food is served to the public," said a CMC official.

Vendors have been reminded to strictly follow hygiene and food safety protocols. To support the inspections, a food testing vehicle has been deployed to provide rapid reports, enabling the teams to act swiftly if any violations are detected. Regular inspections will continue throughout the duration of the fair to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors.