Report

Ahead of the Chithirai festival in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, District Collector M S Sangeetha prioritised food safety and instructed all individuals and groups distributing food and drinks to devotees to strictly follow hygiene and safety standards.

Mandatory FSSAI Registration for Food Donors

To ensure accountability, she ordered all food donors to register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Donors can complete the registration, which costs ₹100, on the FSSAI website. Authorities will permit only registered individuals to serve food during the festival. The collector also stressed the importance of hygienic food preparation. She banned the use of synthetic food colours and restricted plastic containers and cups. She urged donors to use only food-grade, approved alternatives for serving.

Proper Waste Disposal is a Must

After serving, donors must dispose of used plates, cups, and covers responsibly. Food waste must be discarded only in corporation-designated bins to maintain cleanliness around the festival area.

Public Can Report Unsafe Food

The administration is also involving the public in monitoring food safety. Citizens can report any violations via WhatsApp at 9444023222. The food safety department will respond to complaints promptly to ensure safe food distribution throughout the festival. With lakhs of devotees expected to attend, the focus on food safety aims to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health during the celebrations.

Source: The Times of India