this is important, especially with cultural and religious practices in mind. In India, the enforcement of food safety rules during festivals and in places of worship has indeed become a priority, particularly in light of recent incidents.
A mass food poisoning event occurred in Dibrugarh, Assam, where over 50 people were hospitalized after consuming prasad at a religious gathering. In response, the district health department issued urgent guidelines:
Wash prasad items (like khichdi, bhog, pulses, grains, and fruits) thoroughly multiple times using clean water and in sanitized containers.
Avoid distributing or consuming undercooked or leftover food, and prevent cross-contamination.
If anyone develops symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or fever, they should immediately seek medical help. Emergency helplines such as 104, 108, and 60264-69030 have been activated for assistance.
In Pune, with Ganeshotsav underway, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken several proactive measures:
Prasad Preparation & Storage StandardsUse glass jars or transparent, food-grade plastic containers to protect prasad from dust, insects, and contamination.
Only distribute fresh food—no stale or spoiled items allowed.
They should wear gloves, aprons, masks, and head covers while handling prasad. Those with infectious diseases are strictly prohibited from participation.
Handlers must wear clean clothing, wash hands thoroughly, trim and clean nails, and avoid unhygienic behaviors (like touching face, sneezing, spitting, smoking, or using tobacco).
Registration & Documentation Requirements
Ganesh mandals must register online (via FOSCOS.fssai.gov.in) for a nominal fee (₹100) and maintain purchase receipts for raw ingredients, all sourced from licensed suppliers. Inspections and SamplingSince mid-August, the FDA has conducted surprise inspections at 35 food establishments and collected 62 food samples—including items intended for prasad and festive sweets—for laboratory testing.
Maharashtra FDA’s Guidelines Ahead of GaneshotsavVolunteer Hygiene Practices
Maharashtra FDA is performing special inspections weekly through Diwali. Focus areas include prasad and mithai distribution outlets, with checks specifically on dairy-based products like khoya and sweets. Random sampling of raw materials is also underway.
Through the FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) program, over 36,000 individuals across Maharashtra have been trained in food safety so far, with a goal of reaching 100,000 certified food safety supervisors statewide.
Additionally, religious venues—including major temples—have been audited and trained under the Eat Right Place of Worship initiative to ensure prasad quality, ingredient authenticity, hygiene, and cleanliness standards.
The FDA’s broader program includes training, inspections, and certification for religious institutions. Temples, gurdwaras, and other religious sites are being evaluated for food safety standards and awarded the “Eat Right Place of Worship” certificate if they meet criteria.
A Supreme Court petition from late 2024 seeking to enforce nationwide mandatory regulation of prasad quality was dismissed. The Court recommended addressing this issue through FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines instead of judiciary enforcement.
The FSSAI’s Food Safety Management System (FSMS) has been piloted in major temples (like Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak and Shirdi) and has proven effective in improving hygiene and standardizing prasad preparation. These programs remain voluntary, but some institutions have adopted them to enhance safety while honoring religious traditions.
The Media Times – Unfiltered. Unbiased. Unstoppable.
The Media Times stands as a pillar of fearless journalism, committed to delivering raw, unfiltered, and unbiased news. In a world saturated with noise, we cut through the clutter, bringing facts to the forefront without agenda or compromise.From hard-hitting investigative reports to thought-provoking analysis, we cover politics, healthcare, business, technology, entertainment and global affairs with an unwavering commitment to truth. Our team of dedicated journalists and experts works relentlessly to challenge narratives, expose realities, and hold power accountable.At The Media Times, we don’t just report the news—we shape conversations, spark change, and empower the public with knowledge.
English 
Hindi