Porvorim: Three canteens serving government offices in Porvorim were directed to stop operations after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found serious structural deficiencies and poor kitchen hygiene during a surveillance drive, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Thursday.
Rane said the FDA team inspected four food establishments operating in and around office establishments in Porvorim, including three canteens serving government offices and a private restaurant.
“Ensuring safe and hygienic food for every Goan remains our priority,” Rane said in a post on X.
The three units were directed to stop operations following the inspection, while compliance will be verified before they are allowed to resume functioning, he said.
The minister said the FDA would now undertake a special drive covering canteens operating in both government and private institutions across the state.
He urged all canteen contractors to ensure strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards.
“Safe food cannot be compromised, and our vigilance will continue,” Rane said.
The inspection comes as part of efforts by the FDA to ensure that food establishments comply with prescribed safety and hygiene requirements and that consumers are provided with safe food.
The special drive will cover institutional canteens in government and private establishments, with inspections expected to focus on hygiene, kitchen conditions and compliance with food safety norms.
