MAPUSA
In a special pre-Diwali drive aimed at ensuring food safety and hygiene, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) carried out surprise inspections at nearly 30 sweet marts across Bardez on Friday.
The operation, conducted ahead of the festive season when the demand for sweets surges, led to the sealing of three establishments found guilty of serious food safety violations.
Several others were issued improvement notices for minor lapses.
A senior FDA official said the drive was launched to ensure that consumers receive safe and quality products during Diwali.
“With the festive season around the corner, sweet shops witness a spike in production, and at times hygiene standards are compromised. Our teams have intensified inspections to curb any such malpractices,” the official said.
During the inspections, FDA officers checked for expired raw materials, unhygienic preparation areas, and improper storage of sweets. Samples of mithai, milk products, and edible oils were collected for laboratory testing.
“We found instances where sweets were being prepared in unhygienic conditions and stored without temperature control. Such practices pose a serious health risk to consumers,” the official added.
The FDA has warned shop owners to strictly adhere to safety norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
“Notices have been issued to erring outlets, and strict action will follow against repeat offenders,” the official stated.
The department has confirmed that similar drives will continue across other talukas in the coming days.
“Our goal is to ensure that Goans celebrate Diwali with safe, quality sweets,” the FDA official concluded.
