FDA raids across the State ahead of festive season
Busts sweet manufacturers, destroys poorly stored
halwa, khoya
Team Herald
MARGAO: In a crackdown on substandard food products, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection drive in the Salcete taluka, which targeted manufacturing units of various sweet and farsan (snack) producers, as well as shops at the Margao KTC bus stand.
During the inspection, FDA officials seized 12 kgs of khoya (solidified milk) that was being transported via bus without proper FSSAI labeling. The seized khoya, valued at approximately Rs 38,400, was disposed of in the interest of public health.
Additionally, 16 kg of Agra petha and 30 kg of Bombay halwa were found being transported improperly in the trunk of a bus, also without the required FSSAI labeling. The food items were found to be wrapped in newspaper, which is a violation of food safety norms. The stock, valued at Rs 18,000, was willingly destroyed by the food business operator.
The total value of the seized and destroyed food items amounted to Rs 56,400.
The inspection drive also covered a restaurant located at Malbhat, where a spot inspection report was served, directing the establishment to address the identified deficiencies immediately.
Furthermore, the team visited a manufacturing unit at Mandopa, Navelim, to check the premises' manufacturing conditions, and an inspection report was also served to another restaurant located at a commercial plaza, based on a complaint investigation.
FDA Director Shweta Dessai informed that these drives will continue in view of the approaching festive season, to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained.
Mapusa fruitseller found spraying Ethapone on bananas
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday conducted a surprise check at Mapusa market and spotted a Belagavi vendor allegedly spraying Ethapone on bananas.
According to a statement from the FDA, during a routine surveillance check at Mapusa Market Yard, the FDA team comprising Madhav Kavlekar and Vishwas Rane along with designated officer Richard Noronha and senior FSO Rajaram Patil spotted vendor Asifulha Hazratali Kargutli from Belagavi, Karnataka, operating in Mapusa yard spraying Ethapone on bananas.
Samples of the consignment was drawn and entire stock of about nine quintals of bananas was taken up for destruction with assistance from Mapusa Municipality.
The surveillance was carried out under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai, the statement added.
On Monday, the FDA conducted surprise check in Salcete to check for hygienic conditions of manufacturing units of various sweets and Farsan.
It also continued its surveillance drive in Calangute area to check for sale of substandard cashew.
Substandard cashew nuts worth Rs 3 lakh seized at Calangute
Team Herald
CALANGUTE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continued its surveillance drive in Calangute to check for sale of substandard cashew nuts and seized 3000 kgs substandard nuts from a dealer at his residence.
The total stock is valued at about Rs 3 lakh, said Food Safety Officer Bhakti Walke.
The cashew nut dealer Avinash Powar from Azara, Maharashtra has been booked by the FDA.
This surveillance drive was conducted by designated Officer Richard Noronha along with senior food safety officer RajaramPatil and FSO Lenin de Sa, Madhav Kavlekar, Safia Khan and Vishwas Rane under the guidance of FDA director Shweta Dessai.