OLD GOA
The officials of the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) swung into action and shut many kiosks outside the SSB hospital, which were operating without licences.
The action comes after the note of the hospital’s nodal went viral in which it was suggested that the kiosk owners were using the STP water from the hospital’s faucet to cook food.
In the drive, led by FDA official Richard Noronha kiosks operating without licences were shut down while those having licence only for retail were ordered not to cook food at the kiosks.
The containers used by the kiosk owners were also seized by the FDA officials so that the same could be sent for testing.
The officials informed that it would take them 7 days to get the test report.
However, the officials pointed out that there is no possibility of the vendors using the STP water as guards are posted for 24 hours and they have also ruled out the chances of the vendors using the water from the faucets.
“However, we cannot take chances as it is a serious observation and we are going to send the same for testing, after which we will be able to determine the facts,” a FDA official said.
Further, the official pointed out that only 3 to 4 kiosks operating outside the SSB hospital are having licenses.
“The rest are operating without any license and only a couple of months back we had told them to shut shop and even levied a fine. But, they have come back now,” the official added.
Further, the official informed that the kiosks are having license to sell on retail, which means they can sell packaged food like chips. “But, they cannot cook at the kiosks,” the official added.
