PANAJI: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carried out a special surveillance drive across food establishments in Tiswadi, covering key areas such as Goa Velha, St. Inez, and Panaji. The surprise inspections led to the suspension of operations at four kitchens due to serious lapses in hygiene and safety standards.
Among the establishments ordered to shut down temporarily was a tea hotel located on the busy 18th June Road, with other closures occurring in St. Inez and Goa Velha. In addition, the FDA imposed fines totaling ₹11,000 on three vendors for minor non-compliances observed during the inspections.
The inspection drive was led by Designated Officer Richard Noronha and Senior Food Safety Officer (FSO) Shradha Khutkar, along with a team of FSOs, under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Desai.
Officials said the action was part of the FDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure adherence to food safety and hygiene norms, with a focus on safeguarding public health.
“Such drives will continue regularly to ensure that food served to the public meets the required safety standards,” said a senior official involved in the operation.
The FDA has urged all food business operators to maintain proper hygiene and comply with regulations to avoid penal action.
