Panaji: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), during a special surveillance drive in Tiswadi, directed four kitchens to suspend operations and imposed fines on three vendors for minor non-compliances.
“The FDA team conducted the drive across food establishments in Tiswadi, including Goa Velha, St Inez and Panaji areas. The team inspected 12 premises, directing four kitchens to suspend operations, including one at a tea hotel on 18th June Road, one at St Inez, and one at Goa Velha,” said Health Minister Vishwajit Rane in a post on social media.
Additionally, fines amounting to Rs 11,000 were imposed on three vendors for minor non-compliances, stated Rane. In another post, Rane stated that the FDA Department in Goa has been directed to take strict and proactive action against restaurants and food establishments that fail to comply with hygiene and safety norms. The action, he said, comes “in light of growing concerns regarding food safety and public health.”
“A recent series of surprise raids across the State has been initiated to address the alarming number of complaints and reports of individuals falling ill due to unhygienic food practices,” said Rane, adding that these inspections are not random but a deliberate and necessary step towards ensuring the well-being of both residents and tourists in Goa.
The team was led by designated officer Richard Noronha, senior food safety officer Shradha Khutkar, and a team of food safety officers under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Desai.
“As a state that welcomes visitors from across the globe, it is our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of food safety,” he said.
“Public health is our top priority, and these measures are essential to protect the citizens and uphold Goa’s reputation as a trusted and safe destination,” he said.
