Curd being illegally produced at a unit in Gaunsawaddo-Mapusa. Captured by : The Goan
MAPUSA
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) raided a curd manufacturing unit illegally operating in unhygienic premises at Gausawaddo-Mapusa, exposing a serious lapse regarding illegal food establishments operating in the State.
On Friday morning, an FDA team raided an establishment manufacturing desi curd in a dirty location at Gausawaddo. Preliminary investigation revealed that the unit had been operating without the required licence for the last three years.
The FDA imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the owner of the unit while also seizing all curd and milk products from the establishment. The FDA ordered the immediate closure of the unit.
According to sources, the curd manufacturing unit was illegally operating without permission.
“Yoghurt, paneer, and other dairy products from the unit were being distributed through vehicles to hotels and restaurants in Bardez, Tiswadi, Pernem, and other areas in the mornings. We had been keeping a close watch on this unit for the past few days,” said an FDA source.
“We raised the unit which was operating in a dirty place. Punitive action has been taken against those concerned, and the unit has been ordered to be closed down immediately.’
An operator at the unit informed officials that a milk company from Kolhapur was supplying milk to the unit, which was then supplying curd, milk, and paneer to restaurants.
The unit would prepare curd and package it in plastic containers, which were then being supplied to shops, hotels, and restaurants in Bardez, Tiswadi, and Pernem talukas.
