FDA to train temple trusts in food safety

To ensure that the temple offerings are healthy and hygienic, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be conducting training sessions on food safety for over 254 temple trusts across the state.

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.

FDA Commissioner Dr Pallavi Darade 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.

AT A GLANCE

• In August this year, over 70 Ganpati mandals were trained before the Ganeshotsav festival
   
• Through this initiative the FDA plans to train over 254 temples across the state