Goa’s restaurant industry is set for a major overhaul as the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) gears up to conduct hygiene inspections across the state.
FDA to ensure hygiene standards for Restaurants
This move comes after the FDA received multiple complaints about unsanitary conditions in several restaurants, particularly in the coastal belt. As per ET, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stated that the FDA will be conducting these inspections to ensure that restaurants adhere to proper hygiene standards.
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An FDA official revealed that they receive around 10-12 complaints every month about unhygienic restaurants from both locals and tourists. “We then inspect the premises and issue necessary directions to the food business operator to improve hygiene,” the official said. To conduct these inspections, the FDA will be roping in FSSAI-empanelled third-party auditors.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane further said, “These comprehensive audits will evaluate adherence to FSSAI food safety standards, maintenance of proper sanitation protocols, staff hygiene training practices, and waste management systems.”
Non-compliant Restaurant owners may face action
Meanwhile, Restaurant owners are expected to comply fully with these requirements, as non-compliance may result in strict action under Food Safety and Standards Regulation. Furthermore, every restaurant is required to obtain and display an official hygiene rating certificate on their premises. This hygiene rating system was initiated by FSSAI to ensure that consumers make informed choices while eating out and to encourage food businesses to improve their food hygiene standards.
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“The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance food safety standards and restore public confidence in Goa’s restaurant industry,” concluded Health Minister Rane. The FDA official also mentioned that hygiene rating was launched in Goa a year ago but received a poor response from food business owners, prompting them to consider re-launching the initiative.
