Puri: Joint teams comprising police personnel, food safety officials and officials of the Weights and Measures department are conducting raids on Khaja preparation units and shops in Puri following complaints of poor quality, short weight and unhygienic preparation of the popular sweet.
Puri SP Prateek Singh said devotees had complained that several Khaja outlets were allegedly selling low-quality products at higher prices, providing less than the stipulated weight and preparing the items in unhygienic conditions, posing a potential health risk to consumers.
The raids are being conducted at various Khaja shops and preparation units across the holy town, particularly along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), where a large number of such outlets have come up in recent years, the SP said.
Singh said samples of Khaja collected during the raids have been sent to laboratories for testing. Appropriate action will be taken against the shop owners if the laboratory reports confirm violations relating to the quality of the products.
The sudden raids have caused concern among Khaja shop owners in the town.
Devotees and local residents, meanwhile, have welcomed the district administration’s move, saying strict checks were necessary to ensure quality, hygiene and fair pricing of food items sold to pilgrims.
The SP said the raids would continue as part of the administration’s efforts to safeguard the interests and health of devotees visiting Puri.
