Team Goemkarponn
PERNEM: The Goa Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intensified its efforts to curb food safety violations with a surveillance drive today at the Patradevi border in Pernem, covering 18 food business premises, including restaurants, wine shops, and dry fruit vendors.
During the inspections, two establishments were ordered to suspend operations—one Udupi restaurant due to unhygienic conditions and one cashew shop for non-compliance with safety norms.
FDA officials also collected samples of sweets to test for artificial color and food safety compliance. Several food items, including chips, chocolate analogues, and artificially colored dry fruits, were confiscated for violating safety standards, with the total value of the seized goods estimated at approximately ₹50,000.
The remaining units were issued improvement notices and granted 14 days to rectify deficiencies.
The inspection team was led by Richard Noronha, Designated Officer (North Goa), and comprised Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar, Bhakti Walke, Nousin Mulla, and Darlan Diukar, under the overall supervision of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
The FDA reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that all food businesses operating in the state adhere strictly to the Food Safety and Standards Act.
