27 August,2026 06:41 PM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondent
The FDA team carried out a surveillance drive covering canteens and eateries operating in and around office establishments in Porvorim. Four units were inspected, including three canteens serving Government offices and one private restaurant.(PIC/X)
Three canteens serving government offices in Porvorim, North Goa, have been directed to halt operations after a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) surveillance drive found serious structural deficiencies and poor kitchen hygiene, officials said on Thursday., reported the PTI.
The inspection was carried out as part of a surveillance exercise covering canteens and eateries operating in and around office establishments in the area.
Four establishments were inspected during the drive, including three canteens serving government offices and one private restaurant.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the action in a post on X, sharing photographs of food quality and infrastructure at some establishments. The three canteens were ordered to stop operations following the inspection.
The FDA will verify compliance with required food safety and hygiene standards before allowing the affected establishments to resume operations.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the action on X on Thursday and shared photographs of food quality and infrastructure observed at some establishments.
According to a statement shared by Rane, the three units were directed to stop operations after officials observed serious deficiencies in their structure and kitchen hygiene.
The establishments will have to address the shortcomings before they can resume operations. Compliance will be checked by the FDA before permission to restart is granted.
The action highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene and food safety standards at canteens that cater to people working in government offices.
The Goa FDA is now expected to expand its surveillance activity to institutional canteens across the state.
Rane said the department would undertake a special drive covering canteens operating in both government and private institutions.
The minister also urged canteen contractors to strictly follow food safety and hygiene requirements.
According to PTI, Rane stressed that ensuring safe and hygienic food for people in Goa remains a priority for the state government.
The latest inspection forms part of the state's wider food safety monitoring efforts. The FDA's checks are intended to identify establishments where food preparation or kitchen conditions do not meet the required standards.
The three canteens inspected in Porvorim will remain shut until authorities verify that the deficiencies identified during the inspection have been addressed.
The private restaurant inspected during the same surveillance exercise was also assessed by the FDA team.
Rane said vigilance over food safety would continue, with the upcoming inspection drive expected to bring more institutional canteens under scrutiny.
(with PTI inputs)
