Ensuring safe, hygienic, and regulated food services across the state continues to stand as a priority under the leadership of Goa’s Health Minister, Shri Vishwajit Rane. In response to rising concerns surrounding compliance among food establishments, particularly in high-footfall coastal zones, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has intensified field inspections to reinforce accountability and public confidence.
Recently, the FDA carried out an intensive verification and surveillance drive in Arambol, located within the Pernem coastal belt, an area that experiences a significant influx of domestic and international tourists every year. The objective of the enforcement action was to ensure that food service establishments operating in the region adhere strictly to legal, hygiene, and operational standards mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Strict Enforcement Action Against Violators
During the operation, a total of eight premises were inspected, with authorities revisiting several units that had previously been issued compliance directions. The inspection revealed that multiple establishments had resumed operations despite earlier instructions to suspend business activities due to non-compliance concerns related to hygiene standards, licensing, and operational safety.
As a firm corrective measure, five premises were compounded and penalized, with penalty amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, culminating in a total collection of ₹85,000. The action demonstrates a proactive stance by the health department to address serious gaps in the food safety ecosystem, particularly in zones where tourism, public welfare, and economic branding intersect.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Public Health Risks
Speaking on the inspection drive, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward any form of food-safety violations. Rane emphasized that public health cannot be compromised under any circumstance, irrespective of commercial volume or popularity of a business venue.
He highlighted that Goa cannot allow unregulated or unhygienic establishments to tarnish the credibility of the state’s hospitality and tourism economy. The enforcement reflects a commitment not only to regulatory compliance but also to protecting consumer rights, improving food standards, and aligning with national safety benchmarks.
Commitment to Protecting Tourism and Local Economy
Goa’s coastal belt remains a central economic zone and a global tourist attraction, making safe and reliable hospitality essential for sustaining economic growth. The reputation of Goa as a premium tourism destination is closely linked to service quality, safety, and regulatory discipline. Ensuring that food served to residents and visitors meets certified safety standards is a crucial governance responsibility.
The FDA has announced that inspection drives will continue to intensify across the coastal regions of Pernem and similar tourism hubs. Long-term plans include a layered monitoring mechanism, periodic review audits, and digital compliance reporting systems to prevent recurring violations.
Future Roadmap for Strengthening Food-Safety Governance
Under the direction of Vishwajit Rane, the Health Department is actively advancing several measures to build a stronger food-safety framework, including:
- Regular surveillance and surprise inspections across high-density areas
- Greater scrutiny of unlicensed and temporary food establishments
- Awareness programmes for vendors on hygiene and legal compliance
- Digital tracking and penalty enforcement transparency
These steps align with Rane’s broader governance mission of modernizing public health administration, improving service efficiency, and ensuring greater accountability throughout the regulatory system.
The recent enforcement action in Pernem signals a clear message from the Government of Goa — public health and food safety standards are non-negotiable. Under Vishwajit Rane’s leadership, the FDA is committed to securing a trustworthy food ecosystem that safeguards citizens, supports tourism, and sets a benchmark in responsible governance.
