Pune: FDA Instructs Ganesh Mandals To Follow Hygiene Regulations For Prasad Preparation

Pune, September 5: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has instructed Ganesh Mandals to strictly adhere to hygiene regulations while preparing and distributing prasad during Ganeshotsav. Mandals that prepare prasad themselves must register with the FDA.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and its regulations of 2011, Ganesh Mandals are required to ensure that prasad is stored in glass containers or transparent plastic coverings to protect it from dust, insects, and other contaminants. Stale food should not be served to devotees. Those handling the prasad must maintain personal hygiene, wear clean clothes, wash their hands with soap, and avoid activities like scratching, spitting, or smoking while working. Additionally, those with infectious diseases should not be involved in prasad preparation.

Ganesh Mandals distributing homemade prasad must register with the FDA by paying a ₹100 fee on the website https://foscos.fssai.gov.in and obtain a registration certificate. All raw materials should be purchased from licensed vendors, according to FDA Joint Commissioner (Food) S.G. Annapure.