Bhubaneswar, 17 October (H.S.): With the festive season in full swing and demand for sweets rising ahead of Diwali, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified inspections to ensure food safety and hygiene across the city.

On Friday, the civic body’s Food Safety Squad carried out surprise raids at several sweet shops and eateries, penalising multiple establishments for violating hygiene standards and food safety regulations.

According to BMC officials, the drive aims to prevent food adulteration and unhygienic practices that typically surge during festive periods. Several sweet-making units were found operating in unsanitary conditions, prompting on-the-spot fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000.

Teams from BMC’s Food Safety Wing inspected kitchen areas, storage facilities, and packaging units to assess compliance with cleanliness and quality norms. Samples of sweets, dough, and water were collected from various outlets for laboratory testing.

Officials also instructed shop owners to ensure that staff follow hygiene protocols—wearing gloves, aprons, and head caps—while preparing and serving food. The BMC has reiterated that such checks will continue in the coming days to safeguard public health during the festive season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda