Religious centres under FSSAI lens
Even though the regulation was mandatory in the FSSAI norms, it used to take no action.
KOZHIKODE: Consuming prasadam or eatables from any religious centres is a practice with a lot of faiths, but for authorities, ensuring its quality is a matter of concern.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has now directed them to follow standard safety practices and made its licence mandatory.
Even though the regulation was mandatory in the FSSAI norms, it used to take no action. The FSSAI will now conduct special drives to ensure quality food devotees consume.
FSSAI assistant commissioner O. Eliyamma said that they are working on how to ensure their safety especially at a time when a lot of festivals and celebrations are coming.
All the religious centres must obtain a license from the FSA for distributing any food. If they outsource the foody, the vendor must also be licensed.
“Even though no such situation arose at any of the religious centres in our district, we don’t want to take any risk,” she said.
“Foreseeing the upcoming festival season, we will make it mandatory to ensure the quality of the food supplied. There are even religious centres here distributing food among devotees on a daily basis. We'll take action against those who violate norms.”