Puri Administration Launches Crackdown on Khaja Shops Over Food Safety

The Puri administration has intensified inspections of khaja shops and warehouses in the pilgrim city, focusing on food quality, hygiene and compliance with food safety norms.

A joint team comprising officials from the Puri Municipal Corporation, police and the Food Safety Department is conducting raids and inspections at various khaja shops and storage facilities across the city.

The inspections are being carried out in areas around the Shree Jagannath Temple, near Uttarparshwa Math and in the vicinity of Shri Setu, among other locations. Officials are checking whether khaja is being prepared in hygienic conditions and whether prescribed food safety standards are being followed.

The teams are particularly examining the possibility of adulteration, unhygienic preparation conditions and the quality of ingredients used in making khaja. Officials are also checking the overall cleanliness of shops and preparation areas.

If adulterated khaja or food prepared under unhygienic conditions is found during the inspections, it is being seized immediately. The seized products are subsequently handed over to the Puri Municipal Corporation for further action.

Khaja holds a special place in Puri’s food culture and has strong demand among devotees visiting the holy city. Thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad visit Puri every day, with many purchasing khaja to take back for their families and relatives.

In view of the popularity of the traditional sweet among visitors, the administration is placing particular emphasis on maintaining its quality and ensuring hygienic preparation.

Officials involved in the joint inspections are checking the conditions in which khaja is prepared, the ingredients being used and the quality and safety of the final product. The enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring that khaja shops comply with food safety and hygiene requirements.