Mumbai Ganesh Mandals Seek FDA Clarity on Mahaprasad Rules

Organisers of Ganesh festivals in Mumbai have approached the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the preparation and distribution of mahaprasad. The request comes as the state regulator prepares to implement a more comprehensive, year-round food safety monitoring framework.

Under the new plan, the FDA will conduct inspections beginning 21 days before major festivals and community events. This marks a shift from earlier, largely reactive checks to a proactive schedule that covers food handling at mass gatherings throughout the year.

Mandals, which run large community kitchens during the ten-day Ganesh festival, want explicit guidance on hygiene, storage, cooking, and serving practices to ensure compliance. The clarification is seen as essential for organisers to align their operations with the upcoming regulatory expectations and avoid last-minute disruptions.

The FDA's move is part of a broader effort to strengthen food safety oversight across the state, with a particular focus on events where large quantities of food are prepared and served to the public.