The inspections covered 18 food business operators, including restaurants, street food vendors and cashew retailers. During the checks, the FDA seized and destroyed 60 kg of unfit cashew nuts worth around Rs 30,000.
The enforcement drive comes amid increased surveillance by the department to ensure that food served to residents and tourists meets safety
standards.
In a separate exercise, FDA officials checked the quality of cooking oil used by hotels and eateries, focusing on the repeated reuse of edible oil, which can become harmful after degradation.
Officials tested used cooking oil at seven establishments using a Total Polar Compounds (TPC) meter, which measures oil quality. All seven samples were found to be within the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) limit of less than 25 per cent TPC, indicating compliance with safety norms.
“Food business operators have been advised to strictly follow food safety regulations and avoid repeated use of cooking oil beyond permissible limits, as degraded oil can pose serious health risks,” an FDA official said.
The department warned that hotels, restaurants or food outlets found using adulterated or overused cooking oil, or violating hygiene standards, would face strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, including suspension or cancellation of their Food
Business Licence.
The FDA said inspections would continue across Goa as part of its surveillance programme to improve hygiene standards, prevent the sale of unsafe food and protect consumer health.
