Pune FDA Conducts Surprise Food Safety Checks Ahead Of Ganeshotsav
Pune FDA Conducts Surprise Food Safety Checks Ahead Of Ganeshotsav
Pune, August 26, 2025 – As Ganeshotsav festivities begin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has intensified its food safety drive by conducting surprise inspections across the district.
Since August 11, FDA officials have inspected 35 food establishments, collecting 62 samples of raw materials and sweets commonly used for prasad (offerings) during the festival. These samples have been sent for analysis, and further action will follow based on the test reports.
FDA emphasized the importance of hygiene during the festive season as large quantities of modak, pedhas, jalebis, shrikhand, and other sweets are consumed or distributed among devotees. Joint Commissioner (Food) Suresh Annapure urged both Ganesh mandals and devotees to take necessary precautions to ensure safe food practices.
Key Guidelines for Ganesh Mandals:
- Store prasad in covered, food-grade containers to avoid contamination.
- Serve only freshly prepared food; avoid stale items.
- Maintain strict hygiene, including hand washing, wearing gloves, aprons, and hair covers.
- Use potable water and clean utensils; store leftover prasad at the correct temperature.
- Purchase raw ingredients from licensed vendors and keep bills for verification.
- Mandals preparing prasad must register with the FDA through FOSCOS.fssai.gov.in.
Safety Advice for Devotees:
- Consume only hygienically prepared prasad.
- Wash fruits and check expiry dates and FSSAI certification on packaged sweets.
- Avoid artificially colored sweets and take only as much prasad as needed to prevent waste.
- Stay mindful of allergies and maintain cleanliness during celebrations.
Annapure further appealed to citizens to report any suspected food safety violations to the toll-free helpline 1800222365 for immediate action.
