Mapusa, Goa Bans Gobhi Manchurian Over Health Concerns

In a significant move, the Mapusa Municipal Council has announced a ban on the sale of Gobhi Manchurian at local stalls and feasts in Mapusa, Goa. The decision, as reported by the Times of India, comes amid rising concerns over food safety and hygiene standards. Authorities have raised alarms over the use of potentially harmful synthetic colors and low-quality ingredients in the popular dish, which is a vegetarian alternative to the classic Chicken Manchurian.

The ban follows reports of vendors using substandard products, including synthetic colors and a questionable powder in the batter, believed to be reetha (a substance commonly used for washing clothes), to enhance the crispiness of the cauliflower. Priya Mishal, the head of the local council, cited worries about the cleanliness of the stalls and the health risks posed by these practices as key reasons for the prohibition. This move reflects a growing tension between public health concerns and the culinary preferences of the local population.

This isn’t the first instance of authorities in Goa taking action against Gobhi Manchurian. Similar concerns were addressed in 2022 during the Vasco Saptah fair at the Shree Damodar temple, where the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had previously conducted raids and urged the Mormugao Municipal Council to restrict the dish’s sale. The consistent scrutiny over Gobhi Manchurian highlights an ongoing effort to ensure food safety and protect public health in the region.

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