In a major food safety crackdown, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has destroyed around 1,500 kg of processed chicken and ordered the closure of an unlicensed chicken processing unit in Siolim following an early-morning inspection.
The action was taken after traceability checks led FDA officials to Ample Fresh Chicken, operated by Hassan Bepari. The department found that chicken was being processed and distributed without a valid FSSAI licence and under unhygienic conditions. A case has also been registered against the operator.
During the inspection, officials discovered that biryani was also being prepared in an adjoining room and supplied to an outlet in Porvorim. The kitchen was subsequently ordered to shut down.
The FDA further inspected another supplier, Siolimchick, and identified concerns regarding its supply chain. One of its suppliers, Riya Farms in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was allegedly supplying chicken under a restaurant licence. The matter has been referred to the Maharashtra FDA for necessary action.
Following the crackdown, the FDA has directed chicken vendors and restaurants across the state to verify their suppliers and purchase poultry products only from FSSAI-registered or licensed businesses.
The department has warned that strict action will be taken against food business operators violating food safety regulations.
