the goan I network
CANACONA
Claiming that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had been lax on sweet manufacturing units at Canacona for many years, a group of activists claimed credit for pushing officials to act against one such unit in Canacona.
A group of activists under the banner of ‘Canacona Jagruk Manch’ addressed a news conference in Canacona to demand action against one sweetmeat shop, after claiming that it was operating without a trade licence since the last two years.
“The trade licence of of this sweetmeat shop at Chaudi has not renewed its licence for two years and we have demanded action by the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC),” informed Samrat Bhagat, one of the activists who protested against the sale of contaminated sweets to Canacona residents.
“It is only because people took up the fight against shops selling contaminated sweets that the FDA had not option, but to fine and suspend operations at one sweet manufacturing unit.”
Asked another activist, Sandesh Telekar: “How could the same FDA team, which found everything safe and normal the previous day, suddenly find the entire manufacturing unit in a very unhygienic and pathetic condition when inspected in the presence of aggrieved residents?”
“If not for the people, the arrogant manufacturer could have walked with yet another certificate authenticating the quality of his products.”
“When we approached the CMC, we found out that the same shop has been operating without a trade licence since the last two years. We have demanded action to shut down this sweetmeat shop, but no action has been forthcoming from the chief officer, who is also deputy collector of Canacona,” said Telekar.
Janardhan Bhandari said they would wait for 15 days and if there was no action from CMC, they would approach the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA).
“If needed, we will not hesitate to meet the urban development minister and even the chief minister,” said Bhandari.
Reacting to claims by the sweetmeat owner that there had been no problem for 28 years since he is engaged in the trade, Bhagat said: “It is because everything was being settled with officials concerned, risking the health of residents in Canacona who may have suffered ill-health for all these years.”
Jack Fernandes said it was high time for people in Canacona to pay close attention to items being purchased and consumed for consumption.
