Goa FDA begins a drive against unlicensed caterers and unregistered party halls, with three weeks to apply

8 October 2026

The Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration, Goa has begun a special drive against unlicensed caterers and unregistered party halls, giving operators three weeks to apply for a licence.
Applications may be made at the FDA office or through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in, and the FDA help desk will assist.
A caterer is defined as anyone who prepares, stores, serves or transports food for a group, from gatherings of as few as 10 to 25 people up to large ceremonies, celebrations, rituals or institutional events. A party hall is a designated area, private or attached to a religious house, that is hired out for parties and ceremonies involving food preparation and service.
An FSSAI licence or registration under the FSS Act, 2006 is mandatory and party halls must display it at all times. Hygiene norms under Schedule 4 of the FSS Act, 2006 must be met, including a proper kitchen or pantry in a permanent structure, waste disposal facilities and potable water, and every food handler must hold a valid Sanitary Card.
Operating without an FSSAI licence is punishable under Section 63 of the FSS Act, leading to a legal case and a penalty of up to 10 lakhs.