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FDA Mandates Strict Food Safety for Prasad
9 Sep
Summary
- All 12,000 Ganesh mandals must register with the FDA.
- Mandals need receipts and vendor certificates for prasad ingredients.
- Smaller mandals and donated prasad also face new documentation rules.
Mumbai's Ganesh mandals face stringent new food safety regulations from the FDA, with no exceptions granted for the upcoming Ganeshotsav celebrations. All 12,000 public mandals are now mandated to register with the FDA.
Mandals must maintain detailed receipts for all ingredients used in preparing prasad and community meals. This includes sourcing food exclusively from registered FSSAI vendors and obtaining their certificates. Even donated prasad requires thorough documentation, including details of its origin and preparation.
Smaller mandals, often relying on volunteers, expressed concern but were informed by the FDA that compliance is necessary. Provisions are in place for mandals sourcing food from women's self-help groups, requiring only the group's license and receipts. The FDA has also relaxed some attire rules for volunteers, allowing traditional garments while enforcing hygiene measures.
