Nabarangpur: In light of the rising concerns over a potential diarrhea outbreak in the state, the district administration has taken prompt action. A team from the Food Safety Department, under the leadership of District Public Health Officer Dr. Nava Kishore Behera, carried out raids at various hotels across the city.
During the inspections, food quality and hygiene standards were checked. At six major hotels, adulterated, unhygienic, and stale food items were found. In some places, food was being prepared in unclean environments, and expired food packets were being stored and sold.
Due to these violations, Kerala Hotel located at Chamuria Chuda was sealed for selling food without a license and maintaining poor hygiene. The team collected water samples from all the inspected hotels, which were sent for testing. Officials advised hotel owners not to use contaminated water for cooking and to ensure hygiene in food preparation.
Fines were collected from several business owners for violations. The team expressed concern over the presence of spoiled food materials and unsafe storage practices.
The District Food Safety Officer, Arun Kumar Maharana, and Microbiologist Raj Dutta were also part of the inspection team. They emphasized that due to the risk of cholera and other infections, such checks will continue as a precautionary measure. Strict instructions have been issued not to serve stale or unsafe food to the public.
Authorities warned that if unhygienic conditions are found in future inspections, shops may be sealed, and penalties imposed. The district health and food safety departments have instructed sellers to be vigilant and ensure proper food standards for the public.