FSDA to check ‘prasad’ quality at shops near three temples

The move, part of FSSAI’s Project BHOG, aims to train sellers in safe handling of offerings to ensure hygienic distribution of ‘prasad’

LUCKNOW: The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), the body that keeps a check on sale of spurious or sub-standard food articles in UP, is all set to monitor the quality of prasad or offerings at shops near the famous Chandrika Devi, Hanuman Setu and Mankameshwar temples.

The exercise is a part of Project BHOG (Blissful and Hygienic Offering to God), an initiative of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI), that aims at ensuring safe and hygienic distribution of ‘prasad’ at temples and religious establishments across the country.

FSDA officials have completed the survey at the temples and surrounding areas and are set to hold a workshop on ‘safe handling of offerings’. A special team has been constituted to ensure the effective implementation of Project BHOG.

“There are a few temples in Lucknow where offerings prepared or sold by the vendors are high. Hence, initially we have shortlisted three temples including Chandrika Devi, Hanuman Setu and Mankameshwar temple,” said TR Rawat, designated officer, FSDA.

Rawat said the team had surveyed the temples and found that the offerings were sold by vendors, unlike south India where offerings were prepared by the temple management.

“Hence it was decided to impart proper training to the vendors who handle the offerings or prepare them at their respective places or workshops,” he said.

The team would also check if the offerings were prepared under hygienic conditions. “We are also planning to hold a workshop on the safe handling of prasad and will issue certificate to vendors,” he added.

Of the 75 UP districts, Mathura and Varanasi would also witness the implementation of project BHOG.

The government had shortlisted both the districts following the high consumption of prasad at the temples and other religious establishments. In these districts, a special team would ensure safe distribution of prasad.

In addition, the project would also cover distribution of ‘tabarruk’, ‘bhandara’ (community feast) or food in mosques, churches and gurudwaras.

In later phases, expected to be launched by next year, the project would be implemented in other districts including Ayodhya, Allahabad, Sarnath, Agra, Chitrakoot and Barabanki.