Margao: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that a late-evening inspection drive in Margao and adjoining areas uncovered multiple unlicensed and unhygienic food operations, with penalties imposed and expired stock seized and destroyed.
According to the minister, food vending units, retailers, restaurants, a bakery, and hawkers were inspected along Old Market Road in Margao and the Seraulim–Verna belt in South Goa. An unlicensed juice centre was issued a notice, while several establishments were directed to rectify serious hygiene lapses, including the absence of sanitary cards, lack of pest control measures, unsafe food handling practices, improper storage, use of non-permitted food colours, and poor kitchen hygiene.
During the drive, one retailer was found selling expired food items worth Rs 35,600, which were destroyed on the spot. Overall penalties amounting to Rs 17,000 were imposed on violators.
Rane said that ensuring safe and hygienic food for the people of Goa remains a priority for the state government. He added that, apart from enforcement action, food business operators were sensitised about hygiene standards, the use of permitted food colours, and the safe disposal of used cooking oil.
The minister said the department would continue such inspection drives to strengthen compliance and reinforce its commitment to safe food for every Goan.
