On Friday there was news on social media that the FDA raided food stalls selling dum biryani in Calangute. The raid was conducted after a video went viral on social media showing chicken being washed in a toilet with water next to a western toilet commode, and one of the staff boys crushing tomatoes with both legs in a vessel, with wounds on his legs. The said chicken and tomatoes were used for biryani and sold on food stalls. The FDA has sealed the stall, but this is not the only case. There may be thousands of fast food centres across the coastal beaches of North and South Goa that operate without any fear as they have godfathers.
The said raid is an eye-opener for those who like to eat at roadside fast food stalls and find it tasty. The raid should be a continuous process and not wait until a video surfaces on social media like YouTube and Instagram. Many stalls prepare food in the same unhygienic manner and tourists and locals eat without knowledge of the preparation process. The government and FDA should carry out sting operations without the knowledge of hotel and stall owners, who may otherwise become alert and keep the kitchen clean for a day to escape a raid and sealing of their business.
It’s time for tourists and locals to be health-conscious while eating outside food at fast food centres.
