Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: In a firm move to safeguard public health, the South Goa team of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recently conducted a targeted inspection drive across Salcete Taluka, resulting in the shutdown of multiple food business operators (FBOs) for violating hygiene and safety norms.
The inspections, spearheaded by Designated Officer Smt. Sanjyot Kudalkar, were carried out along with Food Safety Officials Shri Madhav Kavlekar, Miss Pradiksha Chopdekar, and Shri Amardeep Gaude.
A bakery, found operating in extremely unhygienic conditions, was directed to stop operations immediately. Officials reported dirty floors, flaking paint, loose wiring, and the use of unclean storage trays. The facility lacked adequate washing infrastructure and failed to produce mandatory documents such as sanitary cards for workers and a pest control certificate.
At a chips manufacturing unit, inspectors discovered food being prepared on a footpath without basic washing or exhaust facilities. All packaged items were missing proper labeling, and the business was operating without a valid license—despite previous warnings. Food items worth ₹20,000 were seized and marked for destruction. The unit was instructed to cease operations until it obtains the required licensing.
A restaurant in the Margao market area was also found in violation of health norms. Broken floor tiles, blackened walls, a non-functional exhaust fan, and an open toilet posed serious hygiene risks. The management could not present pest control or sanitation certificates, prompting authorities to halt its operations as well.
The FDA emphasized that such inspection drives will continue in the interest of public health and warned that strict action will be taken against any establishment found flouting food safety standards.
