Goa FDA Conducts Stringent Raids in South Goa, Issues Penalties for Food Safety Violations
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Goa has taken decisive action against food safety violations in South Goa, imposing penalties totaling Rs 17,000 on various food operators during recent raids. The crackdown targeted unlicensed premises, the storage of expired food products, and unhygienic conditions, highlighting the agency's commitment to public health and regulatory compliance.
Expired Food Items Destroyed in Seraulim
In a significant operation, one food retailer in Seraulim was found selling expired food articles. The FDA swiftly responded by destroying items valued at Rs 35,600, ensuring these unsafe products were removed from circulation. This move underscores the zero-tolerance approach towards the sale of expired goods, which pose serious health risks to consumers.
Late-Night Inspection Drive in Margao
A late-night inspection drive was conducted at Old Market Road in Margao, where the FDA inspected a total of nine establishments, including three food vending units, two retail outlets, three restaurants, and a bakery. During this operation, a notice was issued to an unlicensed juice centre, which was directed to comply with food safety norms at the earliest opportunity.
Widespread Deficiencies Uncovered
The FDA's inspections revealed numerous deficiencies across the inspected premises, pointing to systemic issues in food handling and storage practices. Key violations included:
- Lack of a sanitary card for food handlers.
- Absence of pest control records, raising concerns about contamination.
- Use of non-permitted colour additives in chicken, which can be harmful to health.
- Employment of an iron knife, potentially leading to metal contamination.
- Dustbins without lids, facilitating pest access and unsanitary conditions.
- No false ceiling in kitchen areas, increasing the risk of debris falling into food.
- Inadequate washing and storage facilities, compromising food safety.
- Food handlers not wearing proper attire, risking contamination.
- Food items in refrigerators not being segregated or labeled, and refrigerators not maintained cleanly.
Directions were issued to the affected food business establishments to address these deficiencies within three days and submit a compliance report, ensuring swift corrective action.
Notices Served in Seraulim and Verna
Further inspections in Seraulim and Verna led to the FDA serving notices to food business operators (FBOs) along with spot inspection reports. Deficiencies noted in these areas included:
- Food handlers without proper personnel attire.
- Lack of health card copies for employees.
- Absence of a pest control certificate.
- No smoking board displayed as per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) specifications.
- Use of newspaper for wrapping food articles, which can transfer ink and contaminants.
- Addition of colour to prepared food items without proper authorization.
Educational Initiatives by FDA
In addition to enforcement actions, the FDA took a proactive approach by educating FBOs on critical aspects of food safety. This included guidance on the appropriate use of food colour, maintaining hygienic conditions in food preparation areas, and the proper disposal of used cooking oil. These educational efforts aim to foster long-term compliance and improve overall food safety standards in the region.
The raids and subsequent actions by the Goa FDA demonstrate a robust effort to safeguard consumer health and enforce food safety regulations. By combining penalties with education, the agency seeks to create a safer food environment in South Goa, urging all food operators to adhere strictly to established norms.
