Maha Kumbh 2025: FSSAI Implements Stringent Food Safety Protocols
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Synopsis
In preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the FSSAI is implementing extensive measures to ensure safe and hygienic food for millions of devotees. This includes deploying mobile testing labs, conducting regular inspections, and raising awareness about food safety practices.
Key Takeaways
- FSSAI has deployed food safety officers and mobile testing labs.
- Regular inspections of food establishments are being conducted.
- Public awareness campaigns regarding food safety are underway.
- Collaborative efforts with the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure food quality.
- Interactive pavilions are set up to engage attendees on food safety issues.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated comprehensive measures at a grand scale to guarantee the provision of safe and hygienic food for millions of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh 2025 taking place in Prayagraj, as per a statement from the Health Ministry released on Sunday.
Food Safety Officers have been assigned, and Mobile Food Testing Labs (Food Safety on Wheels) have been activated to conduct services, alongside awareness initiatives being organized at the Maha Kumbh Mela, as highlighted in the statement.
Regular inspections are being carried out at hotels, dhabas, and small food stalls within the fair area to ensure food quality. The operational team has been instructed to swiftly address food safety complaints and to implement immediate actions through rigorous checks on cooking procedures, including the quality of raw materials.
In collaboration with the Food Safety and Drug Administration from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, FSSAI has deployed 10 Mobile Food Testing Labs, along with food analysts, to serve various sectors of the Maha Kumbh region. These mobile labs are conducting on-site testing for food adulteration and spoilage while raising awareness among Food Business Operators (FBOs), street food vendors, and the wider public, ensuring a secure food environment at the Mela, as stated.
The fair is segmented into five zones and 25 sectors, with Food Safety Officers (FSOs) stationed in each sector to consistently monitor hygiene and safety regulations. To enhance surveillance, a total of 56 FSOs have been deployed throughout the area, including five Chief Food Safety Officers (CFSOs).
Each sector has two FSOs, while each zone is overseen by one CFSO, ensuring thorough coverage and effective enforcement of food safety standards. Operations concerning food safety at the fair are centrally coordinated from a dedicated office located at Sankat Mochan Marg in Sector 24 of the city, as explained in the statement.
Samples of rice, sugar, wheat flour, and other essential food items intended for the Maha Kumbh Mela area are regularly collected for testing. Both distribution and storage points have been designated for the collection of these test samples, which are analyzed at the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Varanasi, according to the statement.
Moreover, FSSAI has established an interactive pavilion to engage with devotees and vendors. These stalls will feature Nukkad Natak performances emphasizing the importance of safe food practices and live quizzes on food safety and nutrition.
Officials from FSSAI at the stall are also raising awareness about critical issues such as adulteration, licensing, and training. Through these campaigns, FSSAI aims to effectively educate the public on the significance of safe and hygienic food, as added in the statement.
