Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has demanded stronger accountability from Goa’s Health Department, citing inadequate action against food safety violators as a possible contributor to rising cancer cases. During a recent Assembly session, Alemao asked Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to reveal how many vendors, restaurants, and fast food outlets penalized by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in the past two years were actually convicted or blacklisted. He called for stricter penalties, especially for repeat offenders, and urged the government to treat public health violations with greater seriousness.
MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco supported Alemao's concerns, drawing a direct link between unhygienic food sold by roadside stalls and the growing incidence of cancer in Goa. He demanded that the FDA conduct wider and more regular inspections across the state.
In response, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane admitted that several food businesses were routinely flouting FDA hygiene standards. He confirmed that inspection drives were ongoing and promised stronger enforcement. This includes shutting down non-compliant establishments, issuing fines, and launching legal proceedings against severe violations. He assured the Assembly that the government is committed to prioritizing public health.
Recent FDA actions lend weight to this assurance. Restaurants, bakeries, caterers, street vendors, and tiffin services have been penalized for operating without valid FSSAI licenses, maintaining poor hygiene, or selling expired and unsafe food. Fake licenses and lack of basic sanitation remain recurring issues.
However, Alemao and other legislators believe the conviction and blacklisting rates are still far too low. They stress that without decisive enforcement and visible consequences for violations, food safety will remain compromised. With cancer cases on the rise, the state government has pledged to escalate FDA monitoring and strengthen punitive measures to better protect consumers.