PANJIM: Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has revoked registration certificates granted to 33 fish business operators (FBOs) from Margao wholesale market, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, for failing to get a municipal trade licence. The operators have been directed to immediately stop the business in the wholesale fish market in Margao.
In a letter to the President of Margao Wholesale Market Association, FDA Director Jyoti Sardesai pointed out that the administration, via a communication dated October 15, had instructed that all association members submit the municipal trade licence before October 17, however, till date none of the members have submitted the same.
“In view of the above, the Registration Certificates granted under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 issued to the 33 fish traders are revoked forthwith,” Sardesai said. The Registration Certificates were granted for undertaking wholesale/distribution, supply of fish and fish products.
She said that it is understood that the turnover of all the fish traders/FBO exceeds Rs 12 lakh per year, hence they are requested to obtain a license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 by submitting application in Form B, along with the required documents.
“Further the FBOs transporting fish should obtain transporters licence for their vehicles under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 either from the FDA or from the concerned authority, failing which they will not be allowed to enter the State of Goa,” Sardesai said.
While lifting the ban on fish import on August 4, FDA had asked all vehicles importing fish into Goa to register within a fortnight, failing which they will not be allowed to transport. However, FDA failed to be stringent with on this direction, with the administration declining any clarity on how many transporters have registered so far.
