BARDEZ: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) carried out a surveillance drive across Calangute and Canca-Verla on April 13, inspecting multiple food businesses and initiating strict action against violators.
A total of six food establishments—including manufacturing units, restaurants, retailers and wholesalers—were inspected, out of which four were directed to suspend operations until compliance with food safety norms is ensured.
During the drive, around 150 kg of misbranded food items such as farsan and pulses, along with 50 kg of paneer, were confiscated and destroyed for lacking proper labelling. The total value of the destroyed stock was estimated at ₹1 lakh.
In a separate action, a wholesaler-distributor in Calangute was penalised ₹50,000 under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 for violations.
The FDA team also intercepted two tempo vehicles in Bambolim, Tiswadi, transporting and selling loose jaggery sourced from Tamil Nadu by the roadside. Samples were collected and sent for laboratory analysis to check for non-permitted colours, while the entire stock worth ₹1.5 lakh was seized. Further action will follow based on the analyst’s report.
The inspection team included 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.
Officials said such surveillance drives will continue across the state and urged all food business operators to strictly adhere to prescribed norms, warning that non-compliance could lead to suspension of licences.
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