Few mandals seek nod to distribute food

AURANGABAD: Though the food and drug administration (FDA) has appealed to all Ganesh mandals in the city to register with it if they are distributing food items to devotees, only 15 of the more than 1,600 registered and around 4,000 non-registered mandals have done so.

Food adulteration being one of the dangerous trends associated with festivals as huge quantities of food articles, particularly sweets, are sold and distributed during such events, the FDA is keeping a vigil, said Anant Pardhi, deputy joint commissioner (food), FDA Aurangabad division.

The customers, shop-keepers and mandal representatives also need to exercise caution, he said.

If we find sub-standard food being distributed or sold, we will send samples to the laboratory for investigation, he said, adding that action will be taken if the reports show adulteration or poor quality.

The Ganesh mandals have been appealed to register with the FDA in case they are organising 'bhandara' (distribution of food). Mandals have also been asked to keep details of food items they have purchased for 'prasad', ensure hygienic conditions where the prasad is prepared and use clean water. They were also advised to check if the milk and milk products being used in sweets are fresh and store them in a cool place, Pardhi said.

The FDA official also appealed to the citizens to buy only properly packed spices of ISI or AGMARK certified companies and food articles from only registered sweet marts.