Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI/MARGAO: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an inspection drive in the Salcete taluka to target manufacturing facilities of different sweet and farsan (snack) companies as well as stores at the Margao KTC bus terminal in an effort to crack down on inferior food goods.
Twelve kilograms of khoya (solidified milk) that were being transported by bus without the appropriate FSSAI labeling were confiscated by FDA authorities during the inspection. For public health reasons, the seized khoya, which was worth about Rs 38,400, was disposed of.
Furthermore, it was discovered that 30 kg of Bombay halwa and 16 kg of Agra petha were being transported incorrectly in a bus’s trunk without the necessary FSSAI marking. It was discovered that the food products were wrapped in newspaper, which is against food safety regulations. The food business owner voluntarily destroyed the Rs 18,000 worth of merchandise.
The food goods that were confiscated and destroyed had a combined value of Rs 56,400.
A restaurant in Malbhat was also inspected during the drive, and a spot inspection report was given to the institution, instructing it to promptly fix the issues found.
In addition, the team went to a manufacturing facility in Mandopa, Navelim, to examine the manufacturing conditions there. Based on a complaint inquiry, an inspection report was also given to another restaurant in a commercial plaza.
In order to maintain food safety and cleanliness requirements, FDA Director Shweta Dessai announced that these drives will continue as the holiday season draws near.
As per the FDA’s statement, the FDA team, which included Madhav Kavlekar and Vishwas Rane, along with senior FSO Rajaram Patil and designated officer Richard Noronha, observed vendor Asifulha Hazratali Kargutli from Belagavi, Karnataka, spraying Ethapone on bananas during a routine surveillance check at Mapusa Market Yard.
With help from the Mapusa Municipality, samples of the shipment were seized, and the whole stock of almost nine quintals of bananas was removed for destruction.
The statement also stated that FDA Director Shweta Dessai provided oversight for the surveillance.
