Unauthorised Margao fish vendors evicted over health concerns

Margao: Authorities have taken action against illegal fish vendors operating near the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) wholesale fish market in Margao after residents raised concerns about the sale of spoilt fish and traffic disruption.

On Friday, officials of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection at Seraulim, located hardly 200m from the SGPDA wholesale fish market. The inspection followed several complaints from locals about vendors selling rotten fish at unauthorised locations.

During the operation, vendors were removed from the area, and fish samples were collected for testing. Sources said action will be taken following the test results.

The illegal fish trade extends beyond Seraulim, with unauthorised vendors operating at several locations across Margao. Fish is currently being sold on roadsides behind the municipality building near the old fish market, and in areas of Rawanfond and Davorlim.

Many vendors park their vehicles on roadsides to conduct business, creating traffic congestion and resulting in a stench in residential areas. Locals have been complaining about rotten fish being regularly sold at these unauthorised locations.

Sources associated with the fish trade said that vendors often conceal spoilt fish in their vehicles. While rotten fish is typically sent to processing plants at Cuncolim industrial estate, some vendors intercept these shipments early in the morning and present the rotting fish as fresh produce to unsuspecting customers.

The proliferation of unauthorised fish vendors has posed a challenge for the authorities. Sources said that these vendors typically operate during early morning hours when govt offices are yet to open, making detection and regulation difficult.

“The practice not only violates food safety regulations but also undermines legitimate fish traders who operate from designated market areas,” an FDA official said.

Fish sold without proper refrigeration and storage facilities pose significant health risks, particularly in Goa’s humid climate conditions, the official said.

Also, the sale of questionable fish products can lead to foodborne illnesses, officials said.