FDA steps up to raise the food safety standards in temples

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the batten to raise the hygiene and food standards in temples of the state. FDA will be conducting several workshops and training session around 254 temple trusts across the state and will impart technical skills to the participants which will help them in maintaining the quality of food.

The initiative will be flagged off in Mumbai on Wednesday, September 13, at Iskcon Temple, Juhu.

The initiative called the Blissful Hygienic Offering to God (BHOG) was launched by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Prabhadevi-based Siddhivinayak Temple. Training will be conducted in various districts across the state throughout September.

Dr Pallavi Darade, Commissioner, FDA said “53 temple trusts and vendors who prepare various kinds of Prasad will be attending the first session. The topics to be covered include food safety, ingredients, packaging, and hygiene.

The session will help temple trusts maintain proper standards of food hygiene. Participants would be introduced to a scientific approach to safety concerns and learn about the rules and regulation of food safety,” Darade said.

“More training sessions will be planned depending upon the number of temple trusts that come forward. We will be training 3,000 people and 254 temples,” said CD Salunke, Joint Commissioner, FDA. In October, restaurant and hotel staff in Mumbai will also receive training by the FDA.