Four restaurants shut, one fined Rs 20k, misbranded chocolates seized
SERVING UP SAFETY: The FDA team during a series of surprise inspections at food outlets across Bardez to enforce hygiene and food safety standards.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has intensified its food safety enforcement efforts in the Bardez, conducting surprise evening inspections that led to the closure of four restaurants and the detention of misbranded confectionery products.
The surveillance covered key commercial hubs including Mapusa sub-yard, Canca-Verla, Calangute and Canca market, all known for high footfalls and bustling food businesses.
A total of 14 premises were inspected during the evening operation.
The FDA team collected six surveillance samples of bananas from Mapusa sub-yard to check for contamination or chemical ripening.
In a significant seizure, a stock of misbranded confectionery labelled as "chocolate" was detained from a major distributor. Samples of the product have been sent to the state laboratory for analysis to determine potential violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FDA directed four restaurants – two in Calangute and two in Canca – to shut operations immediately after inspectors found unhygienic and unsafe conditions in their kitchens and storage areas.
One of the units, identified as "M/s Walke Express", was fined ₹20,000 for operating under unhygienic conditions, including poor sanitation, improper food storage and lack of pest control measures.
“The restaurant was found violating multiple safety norms including cleanliness of the cooking area and storage of raw ingredients. The presence of flies and poorly maintained waste disposal systems posed a serious threat to food safety,” an FDA inspector on site said, requesting anonymity.
The FDA has stepped up its inspections ahead of the peak tourist and summer season, during which there is increased demand for food and beverages in Goa’s coastal belt. Officials warn that they will continue stringent monitoring and impose penalties and closures on establishments found violating norms.
“Operators are reminded that maintaining food safety and hygiene is their legal and moral obligation. We urge consumers to report suspicious food practices and support us in ensuring public health,” said FDA official Richard Noronha, who was part of the inspection team.
