MAPUSA
In a robust enforcement drive aimed at ensuring food safety and public health, officials from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Goa conducted a major inspection operation at the Patradevi border in Pernem on Wednesday.
The team surveyed a total of 18 premises, which included five restaurants, five wine shops and eight dry fruit vendors.
During the inspection, serious lapses in hygiene and regulatory compliance were observed at two food business establishments.
An Udipi-style restaurant was directed to immediately suspend operations due to unhygienic food handling practices and poor sanitary conditions in its kitchen and storage areas.
Similarly, a cashew-selling outlet was ordered to halt business after inspectors found multiple violations, including the use of artificial colouring and substandard packaging practices.
FDA teams also collected samples of sweets from multiple outlets to analyse their colour content and check for other regulatory violations, particularly with regard to the use of non-permitted synthetic additives.
In addition, a significant quantity of food articles including packaged chips, chocolate analogues and artificially coloured dry fruits were confiscated. These items, deemed unsafe for consumption, were seized in the interest of public health.
The estimated value of the confiscated goods stands at approximately Rs 50,000.
While no other premises were closed, all remaining units inspected during the drive were served improvement notices. The food business operators have been granted a 14-day period to address the observed deficiencies and comply with the FDA’s safety and hygiene norms. Failure to do so may result in further penalties or legal action.
Speaking on the drive, a senior FDA official stated, “Our priority is the health and safety of consumers. Regular surveillance and stringent enforcement of food safety standards are crucial, especially in high-traffic border areas like Patradevi, where goods and food products enter the State.”
