Panaji, March 1: Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday announced stringent measures by the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against restaurants and pharmacies compromising public health.
Speaking to reporters in Margao, Rane revealed that FDA officials would significantly intensify raids on eateries operating under unhygienic conditions. He warned that any restaurant failing to maintain hygiene standards risks being sealed for six months.
The minister emphasized that eateries must serve customers only Reverse Osmosis (RO)-purified drinking water, underscoring the government's commitment to food safety.
Rane further stated that FDA officials have already started extensive inspections, including random sampling of eatables available in the market, especially targeting establishments involved in selling artificially ripened fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, pharmacies across Goa will undergo random checks to curb the sale of expired medicines, safeguarding consumers from potential health hazards.
The Health Minister reiterated that raids would continue rigorously, ensuring strict adherence to health and safety norms by businesses throughout the state.