Bhubaneswar: As part of its broader effort to curb food adulteration and ensure compliance with safety norms across the city, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) has intensified its crackdown on adulterated and unsafe products, particularly packaged items. Its food safety teams conducted inspections at hotels, restaurants and food manufacturing units in Maitri Vihar, Patia and KIIT area on Thursday, during which officials collected 14 suspected food samples for chemical examination.“Inspection of different eateries, including hotels and restaurants, and manufacturers at Maitri Vihar, Patia, KIIT area, took 14 different suspected samples for chemical examination, and issued a warning to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene as per Schedule IV of FSS (Food Safety and Standards) Act,” the BMC said in a post on X.The move comes amid growing concerns among residents about the safety of packaged food products, especially frozen and ready-to-cook snacks that are popular among children. ToI recently highlighted the issue after several residents raised concerns over the suspected sale of expired packaged foods in neighbourhood stores.Officials said establishments found lacking in sanitation and hygiene standards were warned and directed to comply with provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The collected samples will be tested to determine whether they meet prescribed food safety standards, they added.The civic body’s intensified action was welcomed by residents, many of whom were demanding stricter monitoring of packaged food products. “We often buy frozen snacks and packaged foods for our children without suspecting anything. The reports about expiry date tampering are alarming,” said Maitri Vihar resident Sasmita Dash, a mother of two.Another resident from Patia, Prabhat Mishra said authorities should widen the scope of inspections to retail outlets. “Checking hotels and manufacturers is important, but local stores, where consumers actually buy these products, should also be inspected frequently. Those found selling expired items must face strict penalties,” he said.Consumers also stressed the need for greater awareness. “Many buyers do not check manufacturing and expiry dates carefully. Authorities should run awareness campaigns and encourage people to report suspicious products,” said Rashmi Nayak, a resident of Sishu Vihar.The BMC officials said more inspections are likely to be carried out in the coming weeks, particularly at establishments dealing in packaged food products.