The absence of full-fledged Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) office in Margao has forced businessmen and those seeking to apply for fresh licenses and permissions to make trips to Panjim.
Incidentally, assurances in this regard have been made plenty by successive governments and the South Goa district collectorate had been identified as the right place to house such a full-fledged office.
The demand for a full-fledged office had been put forward several times in the past. Citizens from the district have to travel all the way to Panjim to lodge a complaint over adulterated foods or when they find strange things in beverages and packaged products.
The worst affected are the various establishments that require FDA licences and permissions to operate their business. This covers a vide ambit of places that sell food products and they have complained that they have to travel to Panjim to enquire about latest regulations and to apply for the same.
It may be recalled that the FDA directorate in Bambolim had sent in a request for a branch in Margao and had also asked for additional staff in this regard. However, the sanction and permissions for a full fledged office with an official at the rank of director is still pending with the govt.
It maybe recalled that a few years ago, when FDA decided to strictly implement the Food and Safety Standard (FSS) Act 2006 , many in the food manufacturing industry, be it small retailers and street hawkers or canteens and starred hotels did not know about the change in the administrative regime of the industry. This had led to an outcry from establishments, who had to travel from remote areas from Canacona and Sanguem to Panjim.
While there are officials, who look after South Goa and respond to the applications and complaints of people, one still has to travel to North Goa.
“The entire idea of having a massive district collectorate building was to bring in all major offices at one central location. If there is an issue with the collectorate building then they can find another other building in Margao that houses government offices,” said Harsh Dessai, a restaurant owner from Canacona.
Rupesh Velip, a restaurateur from Sanguem said, “The FDA should create a mass messaging service wherein the FDA licences and permissions should be updated in case of new regulations if any and in this way we would be alerted in time and help us in saving time and money.
