PANJIM: After reading this report no one would ever want to enter the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) canteen that severs food, prepared in the midst of lizards and cockroaches, and is served to students, patients and the visitors.
An inspection conducted by Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on three GMC canteens – OPD canteen, college canteen and canteen on the ground floor – on Monday revealed some shocking facts. FDA has directed that all three canteens be closed with immediate effect.
“Reptiles like ants, lizards, cockroaches etc were observed in the kitchen, with cooked and semi cooked food being kept in the open. Cut vegetables, raw material, were also seen kept in the open,” FDA Director Jyoti Sardessai told media persons.
She said that during the inspection it was observed that rotis meant for preparing samosas were also stored in garbage bags covered with ants. “More so, personal belongings, blankets, clothes, footwear were stored in the preparation area,” Sardessai said.
The kitchen refrigerator was found dirty, food colours were being used to prepare food, which is not permitted, the water filter was not working, exhaust fan was covered with dust, there was flaking of paint observed in the kitchen. These were some of the major unhygienic observations of the inspection.
The Director said that all the three canteens have been issued spot inspection reports and have been directed to stop operations immediately.
“In the past too, similar observations of unhygienic conditions and practices were observed in these canteens and accordingly, we had served them notices,” Sardessai said.
She said that food business operators were directed to improve the conditions and temporary improvement was observed but Monday’s inspection found that they have gone back to the old conditions and unhygienic practices.
