Pure ghee, caps, licensed suppliers: How new FDA rules changed Ganpati mahaprasad

Mahaprasad at Mumbai's Ganpati pandals is being served under tighter food safety checks this Ganeshotsav, following strict regulations introduced by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Under the new requirements, pandals and mandals cannot distribute mahaprasad unless the ingredients are sourced from registered and licensed suppliers. Purchases must also be supported by valid invoices, while the suppliers involved need to have the required food licences.

Focus on quality and traceability

The rules cover pandals of different sizes and are aimed at ensuring that the food offered to devotees meets hygiene and safety standards.

A key requirement is that ingredients used to prepare mahaprasad must come only from registered and licensed suppliers. The invoice trail is also intended to ensure that the source of the ingredients can be traced.

The measures have largely been welcomed by mandals, many of which have incorporated additional precautions while preparing and distributing prasad.

GSB Ganpati updates prasad protocols

The scale of the operation is particularly large at Mumbai's GSB Ganpati Mandal, where around 40,000 devotees have mahaprasad in a single day.

The mandal has updated its procedures to comply with the FDA's requirements, including tighter controls over ingredients and hygiene during distribution.

Vijay Kamat, spokesperson for GSB Ganpati Seva Mandal, told NDTV, "Suppliers have been given specific instructions to maintain quality; we are using pure ghee, volunteers wear caps while distributing the offering, and hygiene is strictly maintained at all times."

He added, "We have always prioritised quality, but we are adhering even more strictly to protocols following the new FDA regulations. We maintain comprehensive records and do not purchase loose ingredients; we have implemented these changes to ensure the reputation of this renowned Mandal remains untarnished."

Devotees notice the difference

The changes have also been reflected in the way prasad is distributed, with devotees queuing in an organised manner.

One devotee praised the arrangements, saying, "The quality of the prasad here is excellent. We stand in line and wait for it in an organised manner; they maintain a high standard of cleanliness. You don't find prasad like this anywhere else; this is the only place where you get prasad of such high quality."

The new checks are now being followed across Mumbai's Ganpati mandals as they serve mahaprasad during the festival.