PANAJI: FDA Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday said FIRs would be registered against those involved in the illegal transportation and sale of unhygienic meat in Goa, following the seizure of around 6,000 kg of chicken over the past two months.
Rane said the chicken, transported from other states, was seized over serious hygiene concerns, with some samples reportedly emitting a foul stench. The department has ordered the destruction of the seized meat and initiated efforts to trace its source. “The illegal transportation of meat that is currently happening must be stopped immediately because the handlers lack certifications and have absolutely no documentation. They persistently attempt to smuggle it in,” Rane said.
He alleged that diseased birds and dressed meat cuts were being purchased during auctions in neighbouring states and transported to Goa for sale to restaurants. “We are deeply concerned with food safety for the people of our state. Proper hygienic processes and health certifications are mandatory. The practice of transporting diseased birds across villages and carrying out unregulated slaughter must be stopped completely,” he said.
The Minister said the department had alerted the police and would seek the support of the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure FIRs were registered and those involved interrogated. He warned that restaurants found procuring meat from unauthorised suppliers could face cancellation of their operating licences. “We will record their written statements to establish where the supply originates and which restaurants are buying from them. If any restaurant is found purchasing meat from these unauthorised individuals, we will initiate proceedings to cancel their operating licences,” he said.
FDA officer Richard Noronha said the department had been tracking incoming meat consignments through three major entry points, including the Keri and Patradevi check posts, for the past year. Authorities are now working to identify the suppliers and trace the origins of the consignments. “Whether the consignment originates from Maharashtra or North India, we will identify the source and coordinate with the respective state FDA and FSSAI authorities to take stringent legal action against those suppliers directly,” Noronha said.
He added that hotels, restaurants and local distributors procuring meat would have to produce valid tax invoices and slaughterhouse registrations. Establishments failing to establish the legality of their purchases would face action against their FSSAI licences.
Rane said laboratory testing of samples was underway, with reports expected after the prescribed testing procedures. Additional batches have also been sent for examination. The Minister said strict cold-chain and freezing requirements would be enforced during transportation. Restaurants procuring meat from uncertified sources or operating without valid FSSAI clearances would face regulatory action.
He also flagged the sale of mutton brought through the Kolhapur corridor at roadside stalls, citing concerns over unhygienic handling and storage. “Cold-chain and freezing temperatures must be strictly maintained during meat transit. If meat violates FSSAI guidelines, lacks proper refrigerated transport or fails cold-storage requirements, strict action is unavoidable,” he said.
Rane said random inspections of restaurant kitchens and storage facilities were underway, with officers instructed to shut down establishments found storing unhygienic meat. The department is also monitoring transportation through trains, buses and terminals, particularly in Margao. With the tourist season approaching, the Minister said enforcement would be intensified. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities, including unauthorised slaughter and roadside meat sales, directly to FDA officials through WhatsApp.
The inspections will also cover street food vendors, particularly around tourist locations such as Miramar, to ensure the use of certified ice and packaged drinking water and compliance with food safety norms. Rane said online food and grocery platforms would also be scrutinised, citing the suspension of Blinkit's operational licence three months ago until compliance was achieved. He added that one of its outlets in Siolim remained shut.
“We do not want to harass genuine family-run businesses, but FDA officers have been instructed to ignore calls from anyone seeking political protection for violators,” he said.
