Mapusa
In a major late-evening surveillance drive on Tuesday, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) cracked down on cashew vendors and eateries in the bustling tourist belt of Calangute and Baga.
The surprise inspection, carried out by a team of senior officers, covered 19 establishments dealing in cashew sales and restaurants.
During the operation, one shop in Calangute and seven in Baga were ordered shut after officials found substandard and misbranded cashew stocks being sold to unsuspecting customers.
Vendors selling substandard cashews were slapped with hefty fines of Rs 50,000 each, while those found with misbranded products were fined Rs 20,000 each.
FDA sources disclosed that follow-up inquiries have already been launched to trace the supply chain of the questionable stock and ascertain whether it originated from wholesale dealers outside Goa.
In a parallel move, three Mughlai restaurants at Baga junction were closed and penalised Rs 20,000 each for multiple violations of food safety norms.
Officials said the action was taken after repeated complaints of poor hygiene and non-compliance with licensing conditions.
The raid was spearheaded by Designated Officer (North Goa) Rishard Noronha, assisted by senior food safety officer Rajaram Patil and officers Amit Mandrekar, Darlan Diukar, Pritam Parab and Sujata Shetgoankar.
They were supported by MTS staff Arjun Naik, Sandeep Shelke and Pradeep Parsekar.
The operation was conducted under the overall guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
Officials reiterated that such surprise inspections will continue in tourist hubs, especially ahead of the festive season, to protect consumers and maintain Goa’s reputation as a safe food destination.
