Ganesh mandals across the city have been put on alert as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nagpur, prepares to keep a strict watch on the preparation and distribution of ‘mahaprasad’, ‘bhandara’ and other food items during the upcoming Ganesh festival. With thousands of devotees visiting public pandals and consuming food distributed by mandals, organisations and trusts, the FDA has issued a comprehensive 16-point food safety advisory, warning organisers against any compromise on hygiene, storage or the quality of ingredients. Food Safety Officers may inspect arrangements at mandals, and organisers have been directed to appoint a responsible person to coordinate with the authorities, cooperate during inspections and strictly follow their instructions.

 

The FDA has underlined the responsibility of mandals preparing food on their premises. Such organisers must comply with the applicable food licensing and registration requirements. However, mandals merely distributing ‘mahaprasad’, ‘bhandara’ or meals prepared elsewhere are not required to obtain separate registration. Organisers have been directed to purchase raw materials and ingredients only from licensed or registered food businesses and preserve purchase bills. Fruits used as prasad must also be procured from authorised or registered sellers, while rotten, spoiled or damaged fruits must not be used.

 

The department has stressed that kitchens, utensils and food preparation areas must be kept clean and hygienic. Volunteers should maintain personal hygiene and wear clean aprons, gloves and headgear while preparing or serving food. Regular handwashing is essential, while persons suffering from infectious or communicable diseases should not handle food. Food should be prepared only in quantities required for consumption, using potable water. The FDA has also issued a special warning over ‘khoya’ and ‘mawa’, advising organisers against using stocks kept in cold storage for long periods. Milk and milk products must be maintained below four degrees Celsius or at the prescribed temperature, while their transportation and storage should follow the cold chain, including the use of refrigerated vehicles where necessary. The use of expired food products has also been prohibited.

 

The department has appealed to Ganesh mandals to cooperate with officials and ensure that food safety lapses do not turn the festivities into a health hazard. Citizens can report complaints through the MahaFDA complaints portal or the department’s toll-free helpline, 1800232365. Engineering student found dead The body was later sent to a hospital for post-mortem examination. Police also recovered a note allegedly written by Prathamesh before his death. In the note, he apologised to his grandmother, mother and father. He stated that nobody was responsible for his death. He also requested his family to ensure that his younger sister received a good education and asked them to forgive him. Nandanvan Police have registered a case of accidental death and started an investigation.