No temp control for 36 hrs: 2K kg chicken destroyed

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Goa has destroyed a total of 2,450 kilograms of chicken during two inspections in South Goa. The violations found led to the destruction of chicken during both transportation and storage.

One consignment of 700 kg of chicken, valued at Rs 1.36 lakh, was intercepted at Margao Railway Station in South Goa. The chicken had been transported from Delhi and remained in transit for nearly 36 hours without the required temperature control. The chicken was stored in thermocol boxes, which did not provide the necessary temperature regulation. The food business operator responsible for the consignment offered an undertaking to destroy it for the sake of public health.

In addition to the Margao incident, another inspection was carried out at a cold storage facility in Verna. FDA officials found that the chicken stored there lacked proper labels and purchase records. Consequently, 1,750 kg of chicken was destroyed due to these inadequate labelling and record-keeping practices.

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced these actions on Wednesday, November 11. Rane emphasized that the inspections were launched to prevent unsafe meat products from reaching consumers, aiming to protect the health and safety of every Goan. The government vowed to take strict action against any unsafe food handling practices that jeopardize public health. As part of its intensified efforts, the FDA has increased inspections in Margao and Verna.