The Goa Assembly witnessed a spirited and at times humorous debate on July 31, 2025, as food safety took center stage, revealing both the lighter and more urgent sides of legislative discourse.
MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco raised an eyebrow-raising yet important query: “What exactly is in the chicken nuggets?” The pointed question drew chuckles but also underlined growing public anxiety over food adulteration. Reginaldo demanded clarity on what Goans are really consuming — and whether it’s safe.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, while assuring that the Health Department was actively addressing food safety, couldn’t resist a quip. With a grin, he warned Reginaldo to tread carefully given his “massive social media following,” then added, “I’m not joking,” which only deepened the laughter across the House.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant added to the levity from the backbenches with a timely wisecrack about “Shravan”, the holy month when many abstain from non-vegetarian food. But Reginaldo quickly brought the House back to the heart of the matter. “This is not a joke,” he stressed, highlighting the dangerous rise in cancer cases linked to adulterated food.
His message cut through: food safety isn’t just about labels or ingredients — it’s about lives. Responding to the concerns, Minister Rane assured members that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would intensify inspections and launch targeted raids to curb unhygienic and unsafe food practices across Goa.
What began with wit ended with weight. The exchange underscored that even amid jokes and jabs, the Assembly can rally around issues that affect every Goan’s daily life and dinner plate.