FDA officials conduct an inspection of fast food gaddas in Margao.
MARGAO
Officials of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) cracked the whip against fast food gaddas operating in the jurisdiction of Margao Municipal Council, with the team ordering the shutdown of five gaddas forthwith.
The team saw with horror how some of the fast food gaddas were carrying out the activity in an unhygienic manner. The raids were conducted after sunset when most of the fast food gaddas start their business activity.
Gaddas near the Rawanfond circle, gaddas operating in front of the Margao railway station and the rear side near the Margao fire station at Aquem were checked for hygiene by the team.
A senior FDA official informed that most of the gaddas had no licence to operate at the concerned places for want of NOCs from the Margao Municipal Council. This has thrown up a host of contentious issues as to how the illegal gaddas are operating in the commercial capital sans MMC NOC and the blind eye turned by the Municipal officials.
The FDA official further informed that 5-6 gaddas were ordered to be shut down immediately as they were carrying out the business in a most unhygienic manner. The official said the gadda owners have been told to implement the recommendations if they want revocation of the order.
“These gaddas were operating in an unhygienic manner. They had put up a temporary plastic cover in front. Behind, there was full-fledged activity akin to a restaurant. The gaddas had no water supply, no tap water, no proper washing and all the waste flowing into the drains. The state of affairs was indeed dirty. Even rats could be seen moving around,” the officer said.
To a question, the official said some of the gaddas were using food colour, and were using newspaper for packing.
