Five food establishments shut in Calangute-Baga crackdown; Unsafe food destroyed, repeat offenders fined

Goa Khabar : Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has said that ensuring safe and hygienic food for every Goan remains the Government’s top priority, as a major food safety surveillance drive in Calangute and Baga led to action against several food establishments for serious violations.

The inspection drive covered restaurants, food vending establishments and cashew retailers, during which 12 establishments were inspected. Of these, five units were directed to suspend operations immediately after officials found serious hygiene violations.

The Health Minister said four repeat offenders were collectively fined ₹60,000 for repeatedly violating food safety norms. Authorities also destroyed 60 kg of shawarma chicken after detecting excessive use of food colouring, along with 30 kg of low-grade cashew nuts, to safeguard public health.

As part of the drive, officials tested cooking oil samples from five establishments using a Total Polar Compounds (TPC) meter, with all samples found to be within the prescribed food safety limits.

Acting on a public complaint, food safety officials also took action against a vendor at Baga, directing the establishment to shut down for operating without a valid FSSAI licence. The vendor was also fined ₹10,000.

Vishwajit Rane said that such surveillance drives will continue across Goa and warned that strict action will be taken against all establishments found violating food safety and hygiene standards.