Team Goemkarponn
BAGA: The Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) launched a major food safety surveillance drive in the Calangute and Baga areas, inspecting restaurants, food vending establishments and retail outlets selling cashew nuts to ensure compliance with food safety norms.
A total of 12 food businesses were inspected during the drive. Of these, five establishments were directed to suspend operations until they comply with hygiene and food safety standards after officials found unhygienic conditions on their premises.
As part of the inspection, the FDA team tested cooking oil at five establishments using a Total Polar Compound (TPC) meter. The tests found that the cooking oil used at all five premises was within the permissible safety limits.
The enforcement drive also resulted in four food business operators being fined a total of ₹60,000 for violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Officials also seized and destroyed 60 kg of chicken and 30 kg of cashew nuts found to be unfit for consumption.
The FDA said such surveillance drives will continue across the State to ensure food safety and protect public health. Food business operators have been urged to strictly adhere to prescribed hygiene and safety standards, failing which their licences may be suspended.
The inspection team comprised Designated Officer Richard Noronha, Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar, Darlane Diukar and Ram Dhuri, along with staff member Sandeep Shelke, under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
