FDA Cracks Down on Food Safety Violations Across South Goa

FDA Cracks Down on Food Safety Violations Across South Goa

Goa, May 7, 2025: In a determined drive to ensure food safety and public health, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) teams intensified their surveillance efforts across the state, cracking down on several major violations in similar drive was conducted across South Goa on 06 May 2025.

Mormugao: The FDA team, led by Designated Officer (DO) South, SFSO Shri Shailesh Shenvi, and FSO Smt. Sonal Govekar, took immediate action against a wholesale food unit operating without a valid license. The unit was ordered to cease operations immediately.

Further inspections in Mormugao uncovered unlicensed operations at a manufacturing unit producing popular local delicacies like sausages, bebinca, dodol, and a variety of masalas. A separate repacking unit handling essentials such as groceries, cereals, pulses, and spices was also found to be functioning without mandatory licenses. Both units were ordered to shut down pending compliance with regulatory requirements.

In another violation, a fast-food vendor operating in open space was fined and strictly directed to shift their operations indoors to ensure hygienic food handling.

Colva and Salcete: Follow-up inspections of previously flagged establishments revealed positive results, with full compliance now achieved. Additionally, hygiene inspections were carried out at three other restaurants, with reports issued for continued monitoring.

Margao: The FDA team, headed by DO Smt. Sanjyot Kudalkar (South Goa), along with FSOs Shri Madhav Kavlekar, Miss Pradiksha Chopdekar, and Shri Amardeep Gaude, faced blatant non-compliance. A restaurant that had been warned and cited for deficiencies on April 28, 2025, continued operations in highly unhygienic conditions. As a result, the establishment was slapped with a heavy fine of ₹20,000 under Sections 55 and 56 of the FSSA Act, 2006.

These inspections underline the FDA’s unwavering stance on public health and hygiene. Authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for violations that put public health at risk.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure the food consumed by the people of Goa is safe and hygienic. Let this serve as a strong message: compliance with food safety laws is non-negotiable,” said an FDA official.