Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized around 6,000 kg of chicken over the past two months as part of its crackdown on illegal transportation and sale of meat in the state. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has warned that strict action, including FIRs and licence cancellation, will be initiated against those involved in the illegal trade.
Rane said the department had found instances of meat being transported into Goa without proper certification and documentation. He raised concerns over allegations that diseased poultry purchased at auctions in neighbouring states was being brought into Goa, mixed with other chicken and supplied to restaurants.
Stressing that food safety and public health remain the department’s priority, Rane said the FDA has been directed to intensify inspections and trace the sources of such supplies. He said police assistance would be sought to identify those involved, register FIRs and establish where the meat is procured and to whom it is sold.
The Minister warned that restaurants found procuring meat from unverified sources could face seizure and cancellation of their licences after following due process. He also directed FDA officials to inspect restaurant storerooms and verify the source of meat stocks.
FDA officials said teams have been deployed at three entry routes, including Keri and Patradevi, to track the movement of meat into Goa. The department is also coordinating with the respective state FDAs through FSSAI to initiate legal action against suppliers at the source.
Rane said the department had also issued directions regarding the prescribed standards for meat packaging, transportation and storage, including maintaining the required freezing temperatures. He expressed concern that some consignments were being transported for nearly two days without adequate refrigeration or ice.
The Minister further directed officials to crack down on illegal slaughtering, roadside meat sales and establishments operating without the required permissions. He said unauthorised meat stocks would be seized and those involved could face arrest.
On the issue of meat being displayed in the open instead of being stored in deep freezers, Rane said the practice must stop and that strict enforcement would be carried out under food safety guidelines. He also announced random checks of restaurant storerooms, irrespective of the size or influence of the establishment.
FDA officials said samples of chicken have also been sent for analysis to check for antibiotics, with reports expected within a day or two.
Rane said the enforcement drive would continue over the next two months and urged the media and public to share information about illegal meat transportation and unhygienic food practices with the department.
