Bhubaneswar: Food safety enforcements have been intensified across Odisha following instructions from the Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department.

Odisha State Food Safety Commissioner Dr Poma Tudu has directed the officials concerned to conduct food safety raids in urban as well as rural areas of the state.

The authorities have conducted raids at food shops in all 30 districts and six municipal corporations in Odisha. During the three-day raid starting August 25, over 3 tonne (3,605 kg) obnoxious sweet and stale food have been seized and destroyed, said the H&FW Department.

The officials have collected 475 suspected samples for further chemical analysis while Rs 2,84,500 have been collected as penalties from the shop owners, it added.

“Notices have been served to 189 food establishments. Further legal action would be taken on the basis of the test analysis report and replies of the food establishments,” said Dr Pratikshya Mohapatra, Food safety Designated officer State Headquarters. 

 “Joint raids have been conducted in close coordination among departments of Home, Housing and Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies. At least sixty-one food safety teams have been constituted for the purpose,” said the Department.

The Food Safety Commissioner has directed the officials to continue the enforcement drive, keep strict vigil on the offenders and ensure proper legal action against them.