MAPUSA
In a continuing drive to ensure food safety and hygiene, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Goa has intensified its inspections across North Goa, leading to the closure of an unhygienic bakery at Gaunsavaddo, Mapusa and the imposition of a Rs 10,000 fine on a retail unit for operating without a valid license.
FDA’s North Goa Designated Officer, Richard Noronha, confirmed that the crackdown followed specific information received by the department regarding unhygienic conditions at a bakery unit in Gaunsavaddo.
Upon inspection, the bakery was found to be in gross violation of food safety norms.
“We discovered multiple violations including poor sanitation, absence of proper structural standards and lack of sanitary cards among food handlers. We have asked the bakery to shut down operations immediately,” Noronha stated.
During the same inspection drive, FDA officials also visited two additional food establishments. One unit in Moira was found to be compliant with food safety regulations and was given a clean chit.
However, a well-known retail outlet in Mapusa was caught operating without an FDA license. The unit was fined Rs 10,000, and food samples were collected for further analysis.
“There were structural deficiencies at the outlet, and several food packets lacked proper labeling. The conditions were unhygienic and did not meet the minimum safety standards. We are tracing the supplier of these food items, who is believed to be operating from outside Goa and supplying to multiple outlets in the State,” Noronha added.
This enforcement action comes a day after FDA officials shut down an illegal biryani kitchen in Nagoa and seized substandard cashew nuts from a store in Calangute.
Both operations were found to be flouting food safety guidelines.
Noronha emphasised that the department is determined to act strictly against those jeopardizing public health.
“Our inspections will continue across the state. Food safety cannot be compromised. We are committed to identifying errant establishments and ensuring that only hygienic and regulated food reaches consumers,” he said.
The FDA has urged consumers and citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe food practices to the department, as it continues its state-wide surveillance and crackdown on non-compliant food businesses.
