In response to media reports and in alignment with directives from the Minister for Health Vishwajeet Rane, the Food and Drug Administration has cracked down on unauthorized cooking activities at food stalls and hawkers operating opposite the Super Speciality Block in Bambolim Tiswadi, Goa.
A team of Food Safety Officers, led by the Designated Officer North Goa, conducted inspections at various food stalls and hawkers outside Goa Medical College after GMC issued a health warning notice to its staff about the unhygienic cooking practises.
The following stalls were found operating unauthorized during the visit:
M/S Vasudev Gaonkar temporary food stall
M/s Elsa Dias Kiosk
M/s Krutika MURGAONKAR
M/S BASWANTI NAGARAJ GADA
Laxmi Pundalik Havanur, Cart near GMC.
Unauthorized Cooking Activities: The food stalls and carts were found engaging in cooking activities without the necessary permissions from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Strict action was initiated, and vendors were directed to cease all cooking activities immediately. The temporary kitchens were vacated, and equipment was removed in the presence of the inspection team.
Legal Notices and Previous Violations: Legal notices were issued under sec 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA 2006). It’s noteworthy that these same stalls were inspected in November 2023 and fined under sec 69 of FSSA 2006 for cooking under unsanitary conditions, with fines amounting to ₹10,000. Vendors were warned that continuation of cooking activities would result in the suspension of their FDA registration.
Water Source Inquiry: An inquiry into the water source revealed that vendors had cans filled with water, reportedly brought from their homes with PWD supply. Water samples were collected for testing by the FDA lab to confirm the quality and source.
Ongoing Vigilance: Strict vigilance will be maintained, with the FDA team scheduled for daily visits over the next 7 days to monitor compliance. Any non-compliance observed will lead to immediate closure of the unit, and legal action will be pursued.
Hygiene Compliance: While most food stalls on the front side were found to be complying with basic hygiene conditions, one vendor received a notice for necessary rectifications.
This proactive approach by GMC and the FDA underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and hygiene of food establishments, safeguarding the health of the public.
Recalling recent events, on Friday, Goa Medical College issued a notice cautioning against consuming food from kiosks outside the Superspeciality block in Bambolim, citing the alleged use of treated sewage water by vendors. However, after concerns were raised by Ramrao Wagh regarding GMC stall owners and clarification that the notice was specifically intended for GMC staff, the health warning notice was subsequently withdrawn by Goa Medical College.
