Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has ordered six food business establishments to suspend operations after surveillance drives conducted in Bambolim, Merces and Thivim revealed multiple hygiene violations.
During the inspections, FDA officials checked 10 food businesses, including restaurants and petty retailers selling tea and snacks. Six establishments were directed to suspend operations after they were found to be functioning in unhygienic conditions.
In the Bambolim area, four food outlets operating outside Goa Medical College (GMC) were asked to cease operations after officials found that they were sourcing food from unapproved kitchens that were maintained in unhygienic conditions. A fresh juice vendor near GMC was also fined ₹10,000 for violating food safety norms.
In Thivim, an Udipi restaurant and a tea stall were ordered to shut down due to hygiene violations. The Udipi restaurant was additionally fined ₹15,000.
The FDA said the establishments will remain closed until the deficiencies are rectified and compliance is verified by the department.
The department said surveillance drives will continue across Goa and appealed to all food business operators to strictly comply with food safety and hygiene regulations. It warned that failure to adhere to the prescribed norms could lead to suspension of licences.
The inspection team comprised Designated Officer Richard Noronha, Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar, Lenin D’Sa and Safia Khan, along with staff member Sandeep Shelke, under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
