MAPUSA
Continuing its crackdown on restaurants failing to adhere to hygiene regulations, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted a late-night inspection on Wednesday, inspecting 15 restaurants in the Assagao area.
Officials have directed these establishments to register under a mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence.
The inspection drive, led by FDA Director Shweta Dessai and North Goa Designated Officer Richard Noronha, along with Food Safety Officers is part of an ongoing effort to ensure food safety standards in the region’s coastal belt.
For the past three weeks, the FDA has been carrying out a special surveillance drive targeting restaurants in the beach belt during late hours.
“We initiated inspections in the Sangolda area over the past two weeks. Several restaurants were found violating hygiene norms, resulting in the suspension of five establishments. Additionally, notices for improvement under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, have been issued to restaurants with minor non-compliance issues,” Noronha said.
The recent drive has now extended to Assagao, an area known for its high-end dining establishments.
During the inspections, officials found that many restaurants were operating with registration certificates meant for small hawkers instead of the required FSSAI licences.
Notices were subsequently issued to these establishments, instructing them to upgrade to the proper licensing category.
“We identified minor non-compliance issues in several restaurants in Assagao. Most establishments were operating under improper registration certificates, and we have raised awareness about the need to migrate to the appropriate license category,” Noronha added.
The FDA has intensified its efforts to ensure restaurants maintain food safety standards, particularly in the coastal areas.
