Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) team conducted a surveillance drive in Calangute, inspecting a total of nine food businesses, including restaurants, for compliance with food safety and hygiene norms.
During the inspection, five establishments were directed to suspend operations after they were found to be flouting basic hygiene requirements. Two of the restaurants were reportedly well-known national-level quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains.
The FDA team also confiscated around 25 kg of filter coffee found at the interstate bus stand. In addition, approximately 50 kg of cooked chicken items containing excessive food colour were destroyed during the drive.
The premises directed to suspend operations will remain shut until the identified deficiencies are rectified. Fines will also be imposed in cases of non-compliance, officials said.
The FDA stated that the surveillance drive will continue across different areas. Food business operators have been urged to strictly comply with the stipulated food safety and hygiene norms. Officials warned that failure to comply could result in suspension of food business licences.
The inspection team comprised Designated Officer Richard Noronha and Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar and Darlane Diukar, along with staff member Sandeep Shelke, working under the guidance of Director Shweta Dessai.
