MAPUSA
In a major crackdown on food safety violations in North Goa's tourism belt, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has ordered seven food establishments to suspend operations after finding serious lapses during a surveillance drive carried out across beach villages of Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Arpora and Anjuna.
The enforcement drive, conducted on July 27, covered 10 food businesses, including restaurants, retail food outlets and street food vendors.
According to the FDA, the seven establishments have been directed to remain closed until they rectify the deficiencies and fully comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.
FDA officials said the inspections focused on hygiene and sanitation standards, food handling practices, storage conditions, cleanliness of kitchen areas, pest control measures, waste disposal systems and compliance with licensing requirements.
"The objective of the drive is to ensure that consumers are served safe and hygienic food. Businesses found violating food safety norms have been instructed to immediately rectify the deficiencies before resuming operations," an FDA official said.
The action comes at a time when Goa is witnessing increased tourist footfall during the monsoon season, with the FDA stepping up inspections of food establishments to ensure adherence to food safety standards.
Officials said such surveillance drives are conducted periodically across the State, particularly in tourist hotspots, to monitor compliance and prevent food-borne illnesses.
Establishments that fail to meet the prescribed standards face suspension of operations until corrective measures are verified by the department.
The department has reiterated that enforcement drives will continue and warned food business operators against compromising on consumer safety.
The FDA has appealed to all food business operators to maintain proper sanitation, ensure safe storage and handling of food, and comply with all statutory food safety norms.
Consumers have also been encouraged to report unhygienic food establishments or suspected food safety violations to the department so that prompt action can be taken.
