Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has stepped up its enforcement against food safety violations, ordering the closure of six food establishments in Anjuna following a surveillance drive that uncovered unhygienic conditions and regulatory lapses.
The inspection covered 13 food businesses, including restaurants, bakeries and chicken slaughter units, as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Of the establishments inspected, three chicken slaughter units were directed to suspend operations after officials found them operating in unhygienic conditions and without mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the village panchayat and the Health Department.
The FDA also ordered the closure of one bakery and two restaurants for failing to maintain the required hygiene standards. Officials said these establishments will remain shut until the identified deficiencies are rectified and compliance is confirmed.
During the drive, the inspection team tested used cooking oil at four establishments using a Total Polar Compound (TPC) meter. The analysis found that the oil being used was within the permissible safety limits.
The department also imposed a fine of ₹15,000 on one food business operator for violations detected during the inspection.
FDA officials said similar surveillance drives will continue across the State to improve food safety compliance. Food business operators have been warned that failure to adhere to prescribed norms could result in suspension of licences and other legal action.
The inspection team was led by Designated Officer Richard Noronha and included Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar and Darlane Diukar, along with staff member Sainath Chari. The drive was conducted under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
