Following a hard-hitting exposé by Herald, authorities have swiftly shut down the fish market at Seraulim Circle in Salcete, Goa. The report, aired on Thursday, June 26, 2025, revealed disturbing public health violations and unethical practices, prompting the market’s complete disappearance by Friday morning.
The exposé, backed by social worker Milagres Fernandes, uncovered a grim reality—rotten, discarded fish were being collected, washed in sewage-contaminated water, and treated with chemicals and ice to give them a deceptively fresh appearance. These unsafe fish were then sold to unsuspecting villagers, posing a serious health hazard.
Reacting immediately, local officials, including the Deputy Collector and personnel from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), visited the site the same day. Their swift intervention sent a strong message against illegal and unsafe food vending. By the next morning, the market—typically a hub of activity—was deserted, with the migrant vendors involved in the malpractice having vanished.
While many residents welcomed the crackdown, citing long-standing concerns over food safety, others were left worried about the sudden halt in their daily fish supply. Officials assured citizens that the action was necessary to protect public health and promised steps to facilitate safe and regulated fish sales in the area.
The Seraulim incident has reignited demands for tighter regulation and regular inspections of local markets. It also underscores the critical importance of accountability and hygiene in the food supply chain—serving as a wake-up call for both authorities and consumers across Goa.