MAPUSA
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has intensified its food safety surveillance across the State, conducting inspection drives in Panaji, Porvorim and Colvale and taking action against establishments found violating food safety and hygiene norms.
As part of the drive, FDA officials inspected canteen premises operated by government establishments as well as a catering college in Porvorim. Several structural and hygiene-related non-compliances were detected in the kitchens, following which spot notices were issued to the establishments concerned.
The catering college was also found to have failed to produce the mandatory FSSAI registration for its students’ mess facility.
In Colvale, two establishments involved in the preparation of samosas were directed to stop operations after FDA officials found poor hygienic conditions at the premises. The samosas prepared at these units were reportedly being supplied to local shops for sale.
The action comes as the FDA continues surveillance of food businesses to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements and prevent the distribution of unsafe or improperly handled food products.
In a separate action in Panaji, the FDA team detained around 450 kg of pickle that had allegedly been transported into Goa through interstate buses for sale at an exhibition.
According to the FDA, the pickle consignments did not carry the required label declarations and were not accompanied by bills or other documents establishing their traceability. The consignment was therefore detained pending further action.
FDA officials said food products entering the State for commercial sale must comply with prescribed food safety, labelling and traceability requirements.
The latest inspections form part of the department’s ongoing surveillance drives aimed at checking food safety compliance at food preparation, storage and distribution points across the State.
