Pune FDA Issues Food Safety Guidelines for Ganesh Mandals on Prasad Distribution

Pune, 26th August 2025: With Ganeshotsav approaching, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a set of precautionary measures for Ganesh Mandals across Pune district to ensure the safe preparation and distribution of prasad to devotees. The directives have been issued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations, 2011.

Joint Commissioner of the FDA, S.G. Annapure, appealed to all mandals to strictly follow these rules. “Our priority is to protect the health of lakhs of devotees who will consume prasad during Ganeshotsav. We request all mandals to implement food safety measures and complete the necessary registration process,” he said in a press release.

According to the guidelines, prasad should be stored in glass jars or transparent food-grade plastic containers to prevent contamination from dust, insects, or unhygienic surroundings. Only fresh food should be served, while stale or spoiled food must not be distributed. Special care is advised in the preparation of prasad made from milk and milk products, which must be stored at the right temperature if not consumed immediately.

Officials stressed the importance of personal hygiene among volunteers handling prasad. “The clothes of those handling prasad must be clean. They should wash their hands thoroughly before starting work and avoid unhygienic practices such as scratching, rubbing eyes, sneezing, spitting, smoking, or using tobacco,” an FDA official said. People suffering from infectious diseases are strictly prohibited from preparing or distributing prasad.

The FDA also instructed that nails must be trimmed and clean, utensils must be washed with soap and potable water, and only clean cloths should be used for drying utensils and wiping hands. Volunteers should wear gloves, aprons, masks, and head covers while handling prasad. Covered garbage bins should be placed near pandals to maintain cleanliness.

In addition, Ganesh Mandals preparing prasad are required to register with the FDA. Registration can be completed online at FOSCOS.fssai.gov.in by paying a fee of Rs 100. Mandals must also maintain purchase bills of raw food items and ensure they are sourced only from licensed shops.