Odisha’s Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Monday made a startling disclosure in the State Assembly, revealing that adulterated batches of Horlicks were seized from multiple districts, raising serious concerns over food safety across the state.

The issue came to light after Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati demanded clarification on reports of food adulteration. What followed was an alarming account of widespread tampering with everyday food products consumed by thousands of households.

Adulterated Horlicks Seized in Multiple Districts

Responding to the query, Mahaling informed the Assembly that adulterated batches of Horlicks were seized in Baudh and Dhenkanal districts. Further confiscations were reported from Jagatsinghpur and Mayurbhanj, indicating that the problem is not isolated.

Officials reportedly conducted inspections and seized suspect stock during routine checks, though the Minister did not specify the exact quantity or the nature of adulteration involved.

The revelation has triggered concern among consumers, especially parents and elderly citizens who regularly rely on health drinks like Horlicks as nutritional supplements.

Adulteration Extends Beyond Health Drinks

The Minister’s statement, however, painted a much broader and more troubling picture. According to him, adulteration is not limited to packaged health drinks but has affected a wide range of commonly consumed food items.

Products found to be compromised include:

• Chhena

• Curd and milk

• Bread

• Spices

• Chhatua

• Sauces

• Soybeans

• Ghee

• Salt and sugar

• Papad

• Chocolate

• Maida

The scale of the issue suggests systemic lapses in food quality monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

Opposition Demands Stronger Enforcement

Opposition members sharply criticized the government, arguing that sporadic seizures are not enough to deter unscrupulous traders. They called for:

• More frequent and surprise inspections

• Stringent penalties for offenders

• Stronger regulatory enforcement

• Greater transparency in reporting food safety violations

MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati emphasized that the health of children and senior citizens is at stake, urging immediate and sustained action.

Health Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks

Food safety experts have also voiced serious concerns. Adulterated food products can contain harmful substances that may lead to:

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Toxic reactions

• Long-term organ damage in severe cases

Experts warn that repeated consumption of substandard or contaminated food can have lasting public health consequences.

Government Promises Increased Vigilance

In response to mounting criticism, the Health Minister assured the Assembly that inspections would be intensified and strict action would be taken against violators. The government has pledged to strengthen monitoring systems to prevent further incidents.

However, critics argue that unless enforcement becomes consistent and deterrent, such incidents are likely to continue.

Growing Public Anxiety

The disclosure has amplified public anxiety about food safety in Odisha. With everyday staples and trusted brands now under scrutiny, consumers are demanding greater accountability from both regulators and manufacturers.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: restoring public trust will require more than promises—it will require visible, sustained action to ensure that what reaches people’s plates is safe and unadulterated.