Vishwajit Rane Leads Major Crackdown to Protect Food Safety in Goa

 Public health and consumer safety have received a renewed push in Goa, with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane directing a major food safety enforcement drive across multiple locations. The operation was conducted by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), which has strengthened monitoring in recent months to prevent adulteration, unhygienic practices, and misbranding in the food supply chain.

Surveillance Operation Exposes Illegal Milk Product Supply

The first operation began late at night, after surveillance teams identified a suspicious supplier transporting milk products without proper labeling. At around 1:30 AM, officials intercepted a vehicle entering Goa at Patradevi. Inside, they found nearly 700 kg of paneer and other dairy products without mandatory labeling or traceability details a serious violation considering these items directly reach restaurants and public consumption outlets.

Preliminary inspection also revealed tampering with manufacturing dates, a common method used to re-market expired or low-quality perishables. According to officials, the material recovered was already being supplied to various food businesses across Goa.

Fake Branding and Unhygienic Storage Conditions Found

Once the vehicle was detained, the FDA team moved to verify the origin of the products. The trail led to Porvorim, where inspectors discovered a storage and repackaging unit operating without proper licenses or food safety compliance.

The unit was found to be rebranding the seized paneer under the name of a Mumbai-based manufacturer, misleading buyers and end consumers. The inspection also exposed unhygienic storage conditions, improper refrigeration, and repackaging carried out without food-grade equipment or sanitization.

Acting immediately, the FDA shut down the unit and issued notices for investigation. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and distribution records are being verified to trace all outlets that received the products.

Surprise Checks in Calangute–Baga

As the morning progressed, officials extended enforcement activity to coastal tourist zones, where food vending is common but often unregulated. Surprise checks were conducted across Calangute–Baga, where multiple unauthorized food stalls were inspected for hygiene violations, illegal cooking setups, and supply traceability.

Some vendors were found operating without necessary clearance or food handling training, posing risk to public health. Enforcement actions were taken on-the-spot.

Zero-Tolerance Approach Under Vishwajit Rane

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has consistently emphasized that food adulteration and unhygienic practices will not be tolerated. The operation reflects the broader strategy of strengthening consumer protection, improving surveillance, and ensuring clean, safe food reaches citizens and tourists.

According to officials, this crackdown is part of ongoing monitoring, and more inspections are scheduled across markets, restaurants, street vendors, and cold storage points. Authorities are also working on tightening compliance through licensing checks, mandatory documentation, and action against repeated offenders.

Public Health as Top Priority

Food contamination and adulteration are recognised as key public health concerns, especially when involving perishable products like milk-based items. Unsafe handling can lead to food poisoning, bacterial infections, and large-scale outbreaks. By intercepting the supply before it reached consumers, the department has potentially prevented serious health impact.

This operation highlights the importance of a strong enforcement mechanism, supported by real-time surveillance, field inspections and strict legal action. It reinforces that food safety is not just a commercial requirement it is a public health obligation.

Authorities have confirmed that enforcement will intensify in the coming weeks, including checks at border entry points, cold storages, retail outlets, restaurants, and beach vending zones. The system is being aligned to ensure that all food entering and circulated in Goa meets safety standards.