In a renewed push for food safety, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted a sweeping inspection across 18 premises in Mapusa, Karaswada, and Thivim, leading to the immediate shutdown of eight food establishments.
Among those ordered closed were bakeries, food stalls, and juice centers, all found operating under highly unhygienic conditions that posed serious health risks to consumers.
FDA officials confirmed that the inspections were part of a broader effort to enforce food safety standards ahead of the peak tourist and summer season. The crackdown comes in response to increasing complaints from locals and tourists about unsanitary practices in food establishments across the region.
“The premises were operating in violation of basic hygiene norms, including improper food handling, lack of cleanliness, and unsafe storage conditions,” an FDA spokesperson said.
The agency has issued notices to all non-compliant establishments and warned of strict legal action in case of repeat violations. Further inspections are expected in the coming weeks as part of the FDA's ongoing food safety campaign.