It’s good to note that the Goa FDA is taking a cue from the Maharashtra FDA crackdown on food outlets. Like in Mumbai, the Goa FDA is shutting down canteens over hygiene and cleanliness issues. At the end of the day, what is it all about? I mean, there are guidelines and laws in place to ensure that food outlets operate in the right manner. It is when we falter that the law takes its course. Just like in the case of traffic offences, you break the law and you are liable to be penalised.
So, who does one blame for the present situation? It is the health of the people that is at stake, after all. However, while the authorities target establishments, the ‘Munde effect’, if one would like to call it, what about the roadside eateries which operate in inhuman conditions? They will never be able to adhere to the rules. So, where does that leave the common man?
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
