Goemkarponn Desk
SALCETE: In a bid to ensure food safety and hygiene, the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa, conducted a series of surprise inspections across Salcete taluka, targeting chicken-selling outlets and food retail units.
As part of the drive, ten chicken-selling units located in Varca, Orlim, and Carmona were inspected for compliance with hygiene standards and regulatory licensing. Officials found that the majority of these establishments were operating without valid licenses issued under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
According to FDA sources, several units were functioning from makeshift structures without basic infrastructure such as tap water, proper drainage, and hygienic wash areas. Moreover, sanitary cards for food handlers were absent. Following these violations, nine establishments were issued notices for operating without a license and directed to cease operations immediately, citing risks to public health.
In a separate operation, FDA officials raided a food retail premises in Colvaddo, Varca, where expired food products were being offered for sale. Formal samples were collected for analysis. Expired stock—including 47 containers of chocolates, six containers of honey with dry fruits, two packs of coconut sweets, and two packs of churma—valued at approximately ₹9,000, were seized and destroyed on-site.
The inspections were supervised by South Goa Designated Officer Smt. Sanjyot Kudalkar and carried out by Senior Food Safety Officer (SFSO) Priya Desai, and Food Safety Officers Madhav Kavlekar and Pradiksha Chopdekar.
