Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday conducted a raid at a gupchup-making unit in the Kharavel Nagar Unit-3 market following alleged violations of food hygiene and safety norms.
Representational Image
The raid was carried out by the BMC Food Safety team amid concerns over the conditions in which the popular street food was reportedly being prepared and stored.
Large Quantity of Gupchup Seized
During the inspection, civic officials seized a substantial quantity of prepared gupchup along with raw materials and other items allegedly being used in the preparation process.
Officials reportedly found the food stored in unhygienic conditions, including quantities kept on a mat at the premises.
The inspection also raised concerns over the alleged use of a toilet area for preparing or storing the food.
Insects Found Near ‘Teeka Pani’
The food safety team reportedly found insects around the water used to serve gupchup, commonly known as ‘teeka pani’, prompting additional concerns about contamination and public health.
BMC officials said the establishment had previously been warned several times over hygiene-related issues.
According to the civic body, food safety personnel had also collected samples earlier and provided guidance to the operators on maintaining proper hygiene during food preparation and serving. However, the alleged violations reportedly continued.
Closure Possible After Testing
Officials said water samples collected during the latest inspection would be sent for testing as part of the process.
The BMC has also indicated that the establishment could face permanent closure if violations are confirmed and the required food safety standards are found to have been repeatedly breached.
The raid has once again brought the issue of hygiene at street-food preparation units in Bhubaneswar into focus, particularly at establishments catering to large numbers of consumers.
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