FDA shuts food units over hygiene, licence violations
The directorate of food and drugs administration (FDA) in an inspection drive at Tiswadi and Bardez, directed six food outlets to cease operations. These included a biryani outlet in Agacaim operating in unhygienic conditions without an FSSAI licence, and two cloud kitchens in Sangolda for poor hygiene and structural issues.
A kitchen in Mapusa and two food outlets at Assagao were shut for unhygienic conditions. One of the food outlets was fined Rs 5000. Nine chicken sellers in Varca, Orlim, and Carmona were found operating without FSSAI licences and issued stop notices.
'Some units were found operating in temporary structures, lacking basic hygiene, such as no tap water connection, no proper sink/drainage facility, and sanitary cards of food handlers not provided,' director of the FDA, Sweta Dessai, said.
A food outlet at Colvaddo, Varca, was also found selling expired food items. Items worth Rs 9000 were destroyed, and food samples were taken for analysis.
Expired food items destroyed included 47 containers of chocolates, six containers of fruits, and two packs each of coconut sweets and churma. The FDA also acted on a complaint against a hotel near Khareband, Margao, for illegal cooking on the footpath.
The FDA found violations, including the lack of sanitary cards, inadequate pest control, poor kitchen hygiene, the use of iron knives, a faulty false ceiling, the absence of well water test reports, and the use of synthetic food colours. It obtained an undertaking to shift frying from the foot path to indoors, and the outlet was given seven days to comply and submit a report.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Costly Drug Now Free For Needy Patients With Rare Skin Disease: Doctors & NGO
Nagpur: Needy patients suffering from a rare and painful skin disorder, Autoimmune Blistering Disease, can now receive the costly drug, Rituximab, free of charge, thanks to the initiative by the Pune-based foundation, AIBDF. The announcement came during a doctors' and public awareness programme organised by the Vidarbha Dermatology Society (VDS) attended by over 200 dermatologists from across Vidarbha. "This disease is rare but deadly, and incredibly painful. Our foundation provides Rituximab injection free of cost to needy patients so they can access the best treatment," said Dr Vikrant Saoji, a senior dermatologist. Suratwala explains that he started AIBDF in memory of his late wife, Jayshree Suratwala, who tragically lost her life to this disease during the pandemic. "I wanted to ensure that no one else suffers the way she did," he said. Senior dermatologist Dr Vinit Dubey from Chandrapur sent the very first patient to AIBDF in 2023. "The patient came from a very poor family," he said, adding, "Thanks to AIBDF, my patient received the expensive medicine for free and is now doing well." Dr Asra Khumushi, president of VDS, says the initiative is a game-changer for many underprivileged patients. "I have several patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, and many come from low-income backgrounds. Steroids are often prescribed but have severe side effects. Rituximab is the most proven and effective drug. Thanks to this NGO, it's possible now for many poor patients to get this treatment," Dr Khumushi explains. Dr Nitin Barde, another dermatologist, highlighted the financial relief for patients. "The entire treatment still adds up to around Rs one lakh. The foreign version costs over Rs three lakh per dose. So, getting this drug free of cost is a huge relief for patients," he says. Jayant Hemade, co-founder of AIBDF, and a family friend of Suratwala, said the NGO has far helped 25 patients. "Until now, the foundation was entirely funded by Suratwala. But we've recently secured CSR certification and will start accepting corporate support," Hemade said. He urged both patients and dermatologists to spread the good word. VDS secretary Dr Priyanka Magia discussed the importance of early diagnosis. "Hundreds of dermatologists across Vidarbha are now aware of this service. I urge anyone experiencing symptoms of this disease to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible, because patients must go through specialists to avail this benefit," Dr Magia advises. According to doctors, AIIMS Nagpur treated 70 patients with autoimmune blistering diseases in the past three years, highlighting the growing need for accessible treatment in the region. Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs) * Rare but potentially life-threatening skin disorders * Immune system mistakenly attacks skin and mucous membranes * Causes painful blisters, sores, infections * AIIMS Nagpur treated 70 patients in just 3 years — significant for such a rare illness * Often treated with steroids, but these have serious side effects * Rituximab is the most proven and effective drug * AIBDF now provides Rituximab free of cost to needy patients * 25 patients helped so far by the foundation
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Himachal: AIIMS Bilaspur sets target to make state self-reliant in healthcare
Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 6 (ANI): The All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Bilaspur is all set to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state in health care. The AIIMS Bilaspur Director, Prof DN Sharma, shared significant milestones of the institute's progress with the media on Sunday, highlighting rapid infrastructure expansion, medical breakthroughs, and a focused drive toward cancer research and trauma care. In just less than three years since its inception, AIIMS Bilaspur has increased its inpatient capacity from 690 to 728 beds, catering to over 1,500 patients daily, with more than 4,000 indoor admissions every month. The institute also recorded its first successful kidney transplant, a major achievement in its clinical journey. Over 30,000 patients are being treated monthly, and the hospital has developed a strong community outreach programme, backed by interdisciplinary collaborations and state-of-the-art equipment, including an MRI facility. AIIMS Bilaspur is equipped with four times more ventilators than other hospitals in Himachal Pradesh, ensuring robust emergency preparedness. With a strong academic backbone, the institute now has 620 students, including 100 MBBS seats, and offers 17 broad specialities. However, Prof. Sharma noted that some faculty positions in medical gastroenterology remain vacant, though recruitment drives are ongoing. Cancer care remains a major focus area, with work underway for a dedicated Trauma Centre, and a proposal for Phase 2 expansion valued at Rs 178.05 crore. A feasibility survey for Rs 332 crore has also been conducted to support future developments, including enhanced cancer treatment infrastructure. AIIMS Bilaspur is also actively participating in ICMR-backed research projects on breast and cervical cancer and has seen high utilisation in its radiation oncology department, treating 83 patients regularly, with daily attendance ranging from 20 to 30 patients, nearing 900 total so far. Prof Sharma emphasised lifestyle-related cancers and rising cases such as lung cancer, along with Delhi topping the chart for prostate cancer prevalence. AIIMS Bilaspur is also expected to soon be equipped with PET scan and titration control facilities to enhance diagnostic precision. AIIMS Bilaspur is now among the fastest-growing AIIMS in the country, both in terms of infrastructure and services and aims to ensure that people in the region no longer need to travel outside Himachal Pradesh for advanced treatment. (ANI)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Homeopaths with pharmacology cert can now practice allopathy
Mumbai: In a move that could prove detrimental to public health, homeopaths will soon be able to prescribe modern medicines in Maharashtra after completing a six-month course in pharmacology. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The scope of what kinds of medicines and diseases this may include is still undecided. A notification to this effect was recently issued by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), allowing homeopathic practitioners who completed the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to register with the council. The MMC has been operating without an elected body of doctors since 2022. "We received directions from the govt and a clearance from the law and judiciary department regarding the case pending before the court. We will begin registering them starting July 15. Till then, we will be studying what kinds of medicines they will be allowed to prescribe," said MMC administrator Dr Vinky Rughwani. The controversial decision had its seed sown in 2014, when the state govt amended the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act of 1965, allowing homeopaths to prescribe modern medicines under certain conditions. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) challenged the amendments, and the Bombay High Court issued a stay. Since late last year, there were efforts to bypass this stay. In Dec 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed chemists and wholesalers to "sell allopathic medicines to homeopathic registered doctors who completed the CCMP course". Dr Santosh Kadam, president, IMA Maharashtra, said, "FDA is a drug regulator but it does not have the authority to recognise who can practice medicine." That authority lies only with the MMC. The MMC's circular, Kadam said, gives legal weight to what was until now a toothless directive. In Feb, there was a meeting between medical education minister Hasan Mushrif, BJP MLA Randhir Sawarkar, and representatives from the MMC and homeopathic associations. It was here that MMC was directed to implement the 2014 amendment. "Both FDA and MMC were pressured to pass such order. Many homeopathic colleges are either owned by or indirectly affiliated with politicians in the state," said Dr Kadam.
