📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pooja Jadhav
Religion
Maharashtra CM urges Ganesh mandals to keep prasad pure, comply with FDA rules for 2026 Ganeshotsav
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 08:24 AM
👁 2
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed Ganesh mandals across Maharashtra to ensure that the prasad served during Ganeshotsav 2026 meets food‑safety standards set by the FDA.
Maharashtra's chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, issued a directive ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026, asking every Ganesh mandal in the state to verify that the prasad they distribute complies with the Food and Drug Administration's safety regulations. The statement, released through a press briefing, emphasizes that religious celebrations must not compromise public health.
The FDA norms referenced include strict hygiene practices during food preparation, proper storage temperatures, and clear labeling of ingredients to avoid allergens or prohibited substances. Mandals are also expected to source ingredients from licensed vendors and maintain records for possible inspections.
State health officials have been tasked with monitoring compliance, and random checks may be conducted at popular venues such as community halls and temples. The move follows earlier concerns about contaminated prasad in previous years, which prompted calls for tighter oversight.
Organisers of large mandals have welcomed the guidance, noting that adherence to the standards will reassure devotees and prevent health incidents during the month‑long festivities. The government has promised to provide a checklist and training sessions to help mandals meet the requirements.
The directive underscores the administration's broader effort to balance cultural traditions with modern safety protocols, ensuring that the celebration remains both joyous and safe for all participants.
The FDA norms referenced include strict hygiene practices during food preparation, proper storage temperatures, and clear labeling of ingredients to avoid allergens or prohibited substances. Mandals are also expected to source ingredients from licensed vendors and maintain records for possible inspections.
State health officials have been tasked with monitoring compliance, and random checks may be conducted at popular venues such as community halls and temples. The move follows earlier concerns about contaminated prasad in previous years, which prompted calls for tighter oversight.
Organisers of large mandals have welcomed the guidance, noting that adherence to the standards will reassure devotees and prevent health incidents during the month‑long festivities. The government has promised to provide a checklist and training sessions to help mandals meet the requirements.
The directive underscores the administration's broader effort to balance cultural traditions with modern safety protocols, ensuring that the celebration remains both joyous and safe for all participants.