the goan I network
MAPUSA
Small eateries and food outlets are not the only ones to lack a certification from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
In a surprising disclosure, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has revealed that many high-end restaurants in the State did not have FDA certification and has vowed to take action against all the eateries and restaurants that fail to conform to the law.
“A lot of big restaurants do not have FDA certification. They neither apply nor bother about it. That’s why we have started cracking…Whether it’s Anjuna or any other area, we are coming down heavily on them. Law is applicable to all,” Rane said, while speaking to reporters along the sidelines of a function in Mapusa
He said many times when the FDA takes action, people feel there is an ulterior motive but that was not so.
“People expect the small man on the street who serves food on a cart not to have an FDA licence and many times he does have the certification. But we find people coming from Delhi and Mumbai and setting up big restaurants by spending lakhs of rupees, but fail to get necessary FDA approvals,” he said.
Last week, the FDA conducted a surprise raid at the Mapusa sub-yard and confiscated and destroyed around 1,500 kgs of artificially ripened bananas.
The FDA minister said his department received several complaints of bananas being imported from other states and artificially ripened using calcium carbonate, which is a banned substance.
“Calcium Carbonate is cancerous and banned from being used for ripening of eatable items. We have taken an aggressive stand on this. Even if the loss is in lakhs we won’t mind but we will not allow anyone to play with the lives of the people,” he said.
Rane disclosed that cancer cases were on the rise in the State unlike cardiac which was reported in the past and therefore stressed on need to act tough.
He also informed that the department was working with a staff strength which existed some years back and needed to infuse new hands at work.
“Now eateries are increasing. We cannot go by 15-20 years old staff strength. There are hotels as ours is a tourism area. We need take several steps,” the FDA minister said.
Whip to crack on Mapusa eateries
MAPUSA: Asserting that people’s lives were more important, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane promised to take action against eateries/fast food joints which fail to conform to FDA regulations in Mapusa.
“Somebody has to send complaints to us. Now, citizens send messages on WhatsApp…But since you have brought this to my notice I will take immediate action,” Rane said.
The health minister was responding to a query about irregularities at two eateries/fast food joints near the Alankar theatre and one opposite the taxi-stand in Mapusa.
Rane said due to limited staff, it was near to impossible to check each and every food joint and only if public come forward and complain, the FDA department could take action.
Both the places have gained notoriety for serving food in most unhygienic environment. Questions have also been asked on the unhygienic methods that are being followed by the food vendors for preparing, cooking and serving food to the customers.
Questions have also been raised on quality of oil and water that is being used by the vendors.
Adulterated bananas confiscated
in Mapusa
MAPUSA: In a second inspection drive within a week, the FDA seized and destroyed around 200 kgs of artificially ripened bananas in Mapusa.
FDA officials on Wednesday morning conducted a surprise inspection in Shops 8 & 9 in the Mapusa market sub-yard and found some chemicals in the cupboards.
Without taking any chances, the officials seized around 200 kgs bananas stocked in the shops and with the help of the Mapusa Municipal Council staff, destroyed the entire consignment of bananas.
On Tuesday, Rane had told the media at a function in Mapusa that his department would not spare any individuals involved in unhealthy practices.
Rane had said the health of people was of primary concern and his ministry would take tough action against the offenders.
It may be recalled, FDA officials had confiscated and destroyed around 1,500 kgs of bananas in Mapusa market sub-yard on February 21.
