Key Update

As Maharashtrians welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes, the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Tukaram Mundhe, is stepping up scrutiny of food served as Ganpati prasad, at society bhandaras and through other community food programmes.

Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, housing societies in Vasai-Virar and Mumbai began circulating advisories asking residents to notify the Maharashtra FDA before organising mahaprasad, bhandaras and other food-related events, including those held within society premises. Organisers must also ensure that their caterer holds a valid FSSAI licence. An FDA official confirmed that these requirements form part of the department’s festival Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), issued on September 3.

Seven-Day Notice for Ganpati Food Events

Under the guidelines, residential societies in Vasai-Virar and Andheri must notify the FDA at least seven days before holding such events. The requirement covers both large public gatherings and community meals organised within housing societies. Messages circulated among residents state that even distributing prasad to 100–200 people would qualify as “collective food distribution.”

To notify the authorities, organisers must submit a letter to the designated officer or food safety officer in their area. The letter should include the event date, expected number of attendees, caterer’s name and FSSAI licence number.

What If Residents Prepare the Food?

The guidelines also cover societies that prepare food themselves. Such groups should obtain temporary FSSAI registration through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. The FDA has also advised organisers to retain purchase bills for ingredients such as oil, ghee, paneer and other groceries. These records can help establish the source of ingredients used during the event and support traceability if authorities identify a food-safety concern.

Caps, Masks and Food-Grade Containers Mandatory

Along with prior notification and documentation, the FDA has prescribed hygiene measures for food preparation and distribution. Food handlers must wear caps, masks, gloves and aprons while preparing food. Organisers must use RO water for drinking and cooking and store food in steel or other food-grade containers. They must also display a Food Safety Connect QR code at the venue.

Where Should Societies Contact the FDA?

The contact point varies by location. The Vasai-Virar advisory directs residents to the Palghar FDA office, while the Andheri version asks them to contact the Food Safety Officer of the concerned BMC ward. In both cases, societies can submit a simple letter on their letterhead and obtain an acknowledgement.

Fines Possible for Food Safety Violations

Failure to follow the food-safety requirements could lead to legal action and fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh. However, it remains unclear whether this specific penalty applies to every instance of failing to notify the authorities or only to confirmed violations of the wider food-safety requirements.

Source: The Indian Express