Shuts seven chicken shops across Bastora and Canca
UNDER THE RADAR: FDA officials inspect the Mapusa sub-yard for suspected use of artificial ripening agents in fruits during a surprise surveillance visit.
MAPUSA
In a major enforcement action to ensure food safety, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has launched a rigorous inspection drive targeting roadside chicken slaughter outlets and food vendors operating without mandatory licenses.
During the inspection conducted in the Bastora and Canca areas, the FDA team ordered the immediate closure of seven chicken shops found to be functioning without valid licenses and in violation of hygiene norms.
Officials stated that these outlets posed a serious public health risk due to poor sanitation and non-compliance with food safety regulations.
“This is just the beginning. The crackdown will be extended to other areas in the coming days to ensure strict compliance among all food business operators,” said an FDA official.
In a parallel surveillance exercise, FDA officers also visited the Mapusa sub-yard to check for the illegal use of artificial ripening agents in fruits. Surveillance samples of fruits and fish were collected from the local market and have been sent for testing.
In a separate case, a sweet manufacturing unit – M/s Devasi from Bicholim – was penalized with a fine of Rs 25,000 under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for operating without an FSSAI registration since 2019, despite being served multiple notices over the years.
The inspection team comprised Richard Noronha, Designated Officer for North Goa, Senior Food Safety Officer Rajaram Patil and Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar, Lenin De Sa, Nousin Mulla and Sujata Shetgaonkar.
The operation was closely monitored by FDA Director Shweta Desai.
The FDA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public health and has urged all food vendors to comply with licensing and hygiene requirements or face strict action.
