Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO/BAMBOLIM: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has intensified its statewide enforcement drive against unsafe and unhygienic food practices, seizing mislabelled food products, destroying improperly stored dairy items and ordering the closure of two more food establishments over hygiene violations.
During an early morning inspection at the Margao KTC Bus Stand and SGPDA Market, FDA officials confiscated around 100 kg of tofu worth ₹40,000 after it was found to have been transported under improper storage conditions and was allegedly mislabelled.
The inspection team also intercepted an interstate bus from Kolhapur carrying unlabelled biscuits and sweets, besides paneer transported without maintaining the required cold-chain storage. Around 80 packets of paneer worth ₹30,400 were destroyed in the interest of public health.
Meanwhile, FDA Officer Richard Noronha said the department also conducted a surveillance drive at Bambolim near Goa Medical College (GMC), where five food establishments were inspected.
Noronha said that during last week’s inspection of five establishments, three were ordered to shut down and continue to remain closed until the required rectifications are completed.
During Tuesday’s drive, two additional food establishments were directed to close after officials found unhygienic conditions. The inspection revealed that packed food supplied at one of the outlets was being prepared at another kitchen. When the FDA team inspected the kitchen, it found poor hygiene standards and discovered that the operator did not possess the mandatory FDA registration certificate.
The premises have been ordered to close, and a detailed investigation is underway. Legal action will be initiated against those found violating the Food Safety regulations, Noronha said.
He added that fines of ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 had been imposed on violators during last week’s drive. In the case of the establishments closed during the latest inspection, the department will conduct hearings, frame charges and then determine the penalties.
Noronha said the FDA will continue surprise inspections across Goa and urged all food business operators to voluntarily maintain hygiene standards and comply with food safety regulations rather than wait for enforcement action.
