Pune, 26 August 2025: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued strict guidelines to Ganesh mandals across Pune ahead of Ganeshotsav, warning them against serving stale food to devotees. The administration emphasized that prasad should always be fresh, hygienic, and properly stored to avoid contamination from dust, insects, or unhygienic handling.
FDA officials have directed mandals to keep prasad covered in clean glass or transparent plastic containers. Those preparing prasad themselves must register with the FDA by visiting foscos.fssai.gov.in, paying a registration fee of ₹100, and obtaining a certificate. All raw ingredients must be purchased from licensed shops, and purchase bills must be maintained for inspection.
Speaking on the matter, FDA Joint Commissioner Suresh Annapure said that mandals should take full responsibility for food safety during the festival. He stressed that maintaining hygiene in preparation, handling, and storage is essential to protect the health of devotees.
The department also underlined the importance of cleanliness among volunteers handling prasad. They must wear clean clothes, wash hands with soap before work, and avoid unhygienic practices like smoking, chewing tobacco, spitting, or scratching. Anyone suffering from infectious diseases should not be involved in food preparation.
Special care has been advised while preparing prasad with perishable items like milk and milk products, which should be consumed fresh. Any leftovers must be stored at the right temperature. Mandals are further instructed to use only potable water for cooking and washing utensils, ensure proper sterilization, and keep garbage bins with lids at the venue for waste disposal.
To reinforce hygiene, those preparing prasad must wear gloves, aprons, masks, and caps covering their hair. All utensils should be thoroughly washed with detergent and clean water, then dried with a fresh cloth before use.
With lakhs of devotees expected to gather for Ganeshotsav in Pune, the FDA has urged all mandals to strictly follow these measures, ensuring that prasad remains safe and free from contamination.