PANJIM: Vendors of local ‘pao’ (bread) who move on bicycles will have to register themselves with the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) as per food safety norms.
Traditional bakeries have also been directed to ensure that they operate only after obtaining either the registration certificate or licence from FDA. Last year, FDA had made it mandatory for bread makers to register with the department.
In a statement issued on Monday, FDA has ordered pao vendors on bicycles to register themselves to ensure that safe and wholesome food (bread) is made available to the consumers considering that bread is a staple diet of the Goan population.
Also, in the interest of public health, all individual bicycles distributing bread, post registration, will have to display information boards on each bicycle with details like name of the bakery, FSSAI registration number, contact number etc, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
“The traditional bakeries are required to ensure that they operate after obtaining either the registration certificate or licence, under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 and that all bakeries adhere to the sanitary and hygienic norms stipulated under the Schedule 4 of the Act,” the department said.
FDA has urged consumers to be vigilant and to report such violations, if noticed.
