Odisha Govt Sanctions 74 New Food Safety Officer Posts

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards strengthening public health measures, the Odisha government has sanctioned 74 new Food Safety Officer (FSO) posts, nearly doubling the current strength of 73 officers in the state. The move is aimed at extending regular food safety activities to notified area councils and covering all urban local bodies.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling has directed the expansion of food safety initiatives beyond major city areas to ensure better monitoring across the state. The newly created posts will be filled through a rigorous recruitment process conducted by the Staff Selection Commission.

At present, FSOs are primarily posted in district headquarters, focusing on food safety checks in major cities. Their duties include ensuring hygienic conditions in ashram schools, hostels, and institutions; providing hygiene training to food business operators (FBOs); and monitoring food safety standards in hotels and street food vending stalls.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S. has instructed the Commissioner of Food Safety to fast-track recruitment, training, and posting of the new officers. Officials said this expansion will allow the state to bring every urban local body under the ambit of food safety surveillance, thereby enhancing consumer protection and public health.