Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa
Anjuna/Mapusa, Jun 5: A sweeping food safety crackdown by the North Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has led to the closure of multiple eateries and hefty fines for several establishments failing to meet essential hygiene standards.
As part of an extensive inspection drive across Anjuna, Mapusa, and surrounding areas, FDA officials visited 12 food outlets to assess their compliance with food safety norms. The operation resulted in immediate closures of two establishments — a fast-food stall called Indian Momos near Assagao Junction and a Hyderabadi Dum Biryani eatery — for severe violations of hygiene regulations.
The FDA also ordered Janta Ice Factory to cease operations as it lacked a valid license, instructing the owners to remain closed until proper documentation and compliance are ensured.
During the drive, several other businesses were handed formal improvement notices, requiring them to address identified issues within a specified period.
A special inspection was also conducted at Alankar, a popular food spot in Mapusa, to scrutinize its hygiene practices closely.
While many outlets showed promising efforts to align with FDA guidelines, two establishments — Ms Zaiqua and Ms Bobby Fast Food — were caught in breach of basic food safety requirements. Penalties under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 were imposed: Rs 10,000 on Ms Zaiqua and Rs 8,000 on Ms Bobby Fast Food.
Richard Noronha, North Goa’s Designated Officer leading the enforcement initiative, stressed that the objective was to push businesses toward better hygiene standards rather than merely punish them.
“Our goal is to protect public health by ensuring all food outlets meet the required standards,” Noronha stated. “We are committed to continued inspections and vigilance in the interest of consumer safety.”
The inspection team, comprising officials Rajaram Patil, Amit Mandrekar, Nousin Mulla, and Sneha Gaude, worked under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.
The FDA has urged all food business operators in Goa to strictly adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations to avoid penalties and ensure public health.