Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted a surveillance drive at Calangute targeting dum biryani outlets, leading to the suspension of operations at six of the seven food businesses inspected for violating food safety norms.
The inspections were carried out after the FDA took cognisance of inputs received through social media. During the drive, officials found that six establishments did not have valid sanitary/health cards for their food handlers and lacked water filtration facilities.
As none of the food handlers at the six outlets possessed the mandatory health cards, the FDA directed the establishments to immediately suspend operations. The premises will remain closed until the deficiencies are rectified and the required compliance is achieved.
The FDA has urged all food business operators to ensure that food handlers possess valid health cards issued by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) or a registered medical practitioner. It also advised establishments to install water filtration systems and refrain from using food colours in prepared food items.
The department said similar surveillance drives will continue across the state. Officials warned that food businesses failing to comply with prescribed food safety norms could face suspension of their licences.
The inspection team comprised Designated Officer Richard Noronha, Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar and Darlane Diukar, along with staff member Sainath Chari, under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
