Bhubaneswar, May 7: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the district administration in Bargarh district conducted a raid on an illegal factory in Barpali and uncovered a large-scale operation involved in manufacturing adulterated food items for local markets.

According to reports, the unit was illegally producing fake chocolates, biscuits, soft drinks, edible oil, and flattened rice (chuda) using harmful and substandard materials. The factory was operating from a large building located near the Barpali weekly market area.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint enforcement team carried out a surprise raid on Wednesday. During the operation, officials seized a huge quantity of ready-to-sell adulterated food products, along with machinery, utensils, packaging materials, and raw ingredients used in manufacturing.

Authorities were shocked to discover that flattened rice was allegedly being prepared using waste paper, while edible oil was reportedly manufactured by mixing used engine oil and other low-grade substances. The revelations have raised serious concerns about public health and food safety in the region.

Officials said the factory owner refused to open the premises during the raid, prompting police to surround the building before gaining access.

The factory was later sealed in the presence of the Barpali Tehsildar, police officials, and food safety authorities. Samples of the seized products have been collected for laboratory examination.

Further investigation is underway, and authorities said strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the illegal operation.

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