MAPUSA
In a continued effort to regulate the transportation of perishable food items and ensure compliance with food safety norms, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted yet another extensive raid at the Mapusa interstate bus stand on Thursday.
The enforcement drive, which commenced at 6.30 am and lasted till 3.30 pm, saw FDA officials inspecting 27 buses carrying food and edible items at the Mapusa inter-state bus stand.
Led by designated officer for North Goa, Richard Noronha and under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai, the inspection team scrutinised the conditions in which food products were being transported.
While several long-standing food business operators (FBOs) demonstrated adherence to proper storage and labelling regulations, a few new vendors were found violating the FDA’s prescribed guidelines.
During the inspection, officials seized certain food items for further investigation, while perishable goods that failed to meet safety standards were promptly destroyed with the assistance of the Mapusa municipal authorities.
Among the items detained for the inquiry were Basa fish, as well as masala items such as kalonji seeds and desiccated coconut. Additionally, some imported food products belonging to a trader were also taken into custody for further verification.
The enforcement team comprised Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar, Lenin De Sa, Sneha Gaude, and Sujata Shetgaonkar.
This latest crackdown marks the third operation conducted by the FDA at the Mapusa bus stand within the past three months. A senior FDA official stated that these inspections serve as a follow-up to previous enforcement checks and the department has observed encouraging signs of compliance from previously non-conforming vendors.
However, newer entrants in the food transportation business are yet to fully implement the required safety and labeling standards, prompting the need for continued surveillance and strict action.
Further inspections are expected in the coming weeks as the department continues its crackdown on non-compliant vendors and unsafe food transportation practices.
