Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: From pulses and rice to vegetables, fruits, bread and dairy products, concerns over food adulteration are growing in Odisha, with repeated seizures of suspected fake chhena and paneer raising questions about the effectiveness of food safety monitoring in the state capital.

Over the past few months, food safety officials have conducted raids at several locations in Bhubaneswar and other parts of Odisha, seizing suspected adulterated dairy products. Despite these enforcement drives, questions remain about the sources of such products and whether action is reaching the manufacturing units behind the alleged adulteration.

6,238 food samples collected in 5 years

According to data cited by the Food Safety Department, a total of 6,238 food samples were collected during inspections at hotels, sweet shops, restaurants and other establishments in Bhubaneswar over the past five years.

Cases were reportedly registered against 460 people over alleged food adulteration, while fines amounting to Rs 5.40 lakh were collected.

The figures indicate that enforcement action has been taken against alleged violators. However, concerns persist over whether the measures are sufficient to address the problem at its source.

Questions over milk tankers & dairy products

Milk is being sold openly through tankers at several locations in Bhubaneswar. Vendors claim that the milk is collected from their dairy farms and nearby villages and is subsequently used to prepare chhena and paneer for sale.

However, questions have been raised about the regular testing and monitoring of milk supplied through these tankers and the products manufactured from it.

The issue has gained significance following repeated raids targeting suspected adulterated paneer and chhena in the city.

Chemicals used to ripen fruits under scanner

Food safety concerns are not limited to dairy products. The use of chemicals and artificial colours to improve the appearance or preserve the freshness of fruits, vegetables, fish and dried fish has also come under scrutiny.

Last month, food safety officials raided more than 30 banana warehouses in Bapuji Nagar, Ashok Nagar and Budha Nagar in Bhubaneswar. During the operation, officials seized ethephon used for fruit ripening and destroyed more than one quintal of bananas.

However, questions remain over the continuity of inspections at fruit markets and roadside food stalls, particularly during the festive season.

Street food items such as gupchup, momos, chaat and chowmein are popular among consumers across Bhubaneswar. Concerns have been raised over whether these stalls are being regularly inspected for hygiene and food quality.

With food consumption increasing during festivals, regular checks at markets, eateries and roadside stalls are considered important to prevent the sale of unsafe food.

Doctor warns against unsafe food

Dr Sudam Sarangi, an oncologist at SUM Hospital, stressed the importance of food safety awareness. He warned against consuming food containing harmful chemicals and artificial colours and advised people to remain cautious about the quality of the products they purchase.

He also recommended eating fresh fruits and undergoing regular health check-ups.

Food safety department's response

Food Safety Officer Satyajit Patel said officials were regularly conducting raids at chhena and paneer shops. He added that fines were being imposed and traders were being warned against violations.

According to the report, 18 special drives have been conducted across Odisha to curb adulteration in paneer and chhena.

While the authorities have continued their enforcement efforts, the larger challenge remains identifying the sources of adulterated products and ensuring regular inspections across the supply chain.

For consumers, the key concern is whether the food reaching their plates meets the required safety standards.