Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: In a continued effort to ensure safe and hygienic food for every citizen of Goa, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) carried out an early morning surveillance drive at the Mapusa Interstate Bus Stand. The operation focused on inspecting and verifying the safety of food articles arriving from other states, as part of the department’s ongoing food safety initiative.
According to FDA officials, there was a marked improvement in compliance compared to earlier inspections. Several Food Business Operators (FBOs) were found to be maintaining proper cold-chain protocols and displaying accurate product labelling, reflecting increased awareness and adherence to food safety norms. However, the inspection also uncovered several violations. Food articles worth approximately ₹75,000 were detained and withheld in the interest of public health. These included 25 kilograms of fruit puree, 10 boxes of near-expiry chocolates, improperly labelled energy drinks, and unlabelled fried onions (commonly known as brista). Samples from each category were collected and sent for laboratory testing.
Further enforcement action was taken against one distributor who, despite having been previously warned, continued to operate without a valid FSSAI registration. The individual was fined ₹5,000 under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In addition, one unhygienic restaurant operating within the Mapusa Bus Stand premises was ordered to shut down with immediate effect.
The inspection was led by Shri Richard Noronha, Designated Officer (North Goa), along with Shri Rajaram Patil, Shri Amit Mandrekar, and Shri Darlan Diukar. The drive was conducted under the overall guidance of Smt. Shweta Dessai, Director, FDA Goa. Officials reiterated the department’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and safeguarding public health across the state. The FDA has also stated that such surprise inspections will continue to ensure strict compliance and accountability.
