The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is reported to have inspected some restaurants and bakeries in Salcete and ordered closure of 2 restaurants and 1 bakery in Margao which were operating in unhygienic conditions. This action is very much appreciated since many a time they are given nominal fines. Some food manufacturing units and restaurants don't maintain proper hygiene and sanitation and they ignore the mandatory norms. They don't seem to have any fear of the authorities since usually when they default, they receive minor penalties. Further, they show no concern for the health of the consumers. Their sole aim is to make more profit. In this situation, more frequent inspections and severe punishment by the FDA is the only way to discipline the defaulting business units. Therefore, the FDA should conduct such inspections periodically and impose heavy and exemplary punishment. If necessary, it should ask the Government to sanction more inspection staff which would be justified in the interest of health and safety of the consumers.
