The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a surveillance drive in Calangute, inspecting nine food businesses, including restaurants, for compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

During the inspection, five establishments were directed to suspend operations after officials found violations of basic hygiene norms. The premises have been ordered to remain closed until the identified deficiencies are rectified. Officials said fines would also be imposed for non-compliance.

Among the establishments found violating norms were two well-known national-level quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains.

The FDA team also confiscated around 25 kg of filter coffee found at the interstate bus stand. In another action, approximately 50 kg of cooked chicken items containing excessive food colour were seized and destroyed.

The FDA said the surveillance drives will continue across different areas of the state. Food business operators have been urged to strictly comply with the stipulated food safety and hygiene norms, failing which their licences may be suspended.

The inspection team comprised Designated Officer Richard Noronha, Food Safety Officers Amit Mandrekar and Darlane Diukar, along with staff member Sandeep Shelke, working under the guidance of FDA Director Shweta Dessai.