Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A surveillance drive was carried out by the Food and Drugs Administration Goa (FDA) team on February 24, 2026, across Calangute, Arpora, Anjuna and Thivim, inspecting various categories of food businesses including ice manufacturing units, discotheque kitchens, restaurants and cashew retailers.
A total of 14 food business operators were inspected during the drive, of which four units were directed to suspend operations until compliance with stipulated food safety norms is ensured.
During the inspection at Baga, approximately 150 kilograms of misbranded cashew nuts and mislabelled chocolate analogues were confiscated from a retailer.
In a separate action, one retailer was compounded with a penalty of Rs. 5,000 for stocking and selling expired confectionery items.
The FDA officials stated that the surveillance drive will continue in other parts of Goa.
Food business operators have been urged to strictly adhere to prescribed safety and labelling norms, failing which their licences are liable to be suspended.
The inspection team comprised Designated Officer Richard Noronha, Food Safety Officers Lenin De Sa and Amit Mandrekar, along with staff member Sandeep Shelke, working under the guidance of Director Shweta Dessai.
