The move by the Minister for Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Vishwajit Rane to crackdown on unhygienic eateries is a very appropriate step in the right direction. This much needed action across Goa must be a sustained one till we get to the last untidy eatery blatantly violating the laid down food safety norms. Needless to say, this deterrent action against erring eateries must be free from fear or favor.
From restaurants to cafes and the food carts, it must be ensured that the highest level of cleanliness is maintained at every place and by those handling and selling food items. A lot of people fall sick due to the unhygienically cooked and adulterated food they consume. This is an unacceptable state of affairs.
Restaurants spend a lot of money on making their sitting areas cushy and swanky, all glitter but no substance. But the kitchen and cooking areas of many restaurants are an eyesore and in a despicable state. Infact to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene the inspection of every eatery must commence at the kitchen and end at the main entrance. It must also be ensured that the surroundings around every eatery are clean and safe while not posing any threat to the health of people. In the drive to make sure that every eatery is safe from any health hazards, it would be prudent that the FDA officials should work in conjunction and in association with the local Municipalities and Panchayats.
We must always regularly exercise Zero tolerance to unsafe eateries and proactively do all we can to safeguard the health and well-being of our people and our State, so heavily dependent on good quality food and Tourism.
