Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: A complaint-based inspection drive at Gogol and Rawanfond in Salcete led to action against three food manufacturing units for serious food safety violations, with authorities seizing 450 kg of farsan and imposing penalties.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said ensuring safe and hygienic food for the people of Goa remains a priority and strict action will continue against violators.
During the inspections, officials found one unit operating without a licence for several years and under highly unhygienic conditions. The unit was ordered to stop operations and a penalty of Rs 10,000 was imposed. Unlabelled farsan sourced from Hubli along with locally manufactured stock was seized for destruction.
Another unit was found storing expired food items worth around Rs 18,000. A third unit was using synthetic colour in food preparation, leading to seizure of stock and a penalty of Rs 5,000. The operator was also directed to cease operations and rectify deficiencies.
Overall, about 450 kg of farsan valued at approximately Rs 85,000 was seized during the drive and samples were sent for analysis. Food business operators were also sensitised on permitted food colours, hygiene standards and safe disposal of used cooking oil under the RUCO initiative.
The minister said enforcement drives will continue across the state to ensure safe food for consumers and strict compliance with food safety norms.
