Ganpati mandals attend FDA class

The Food and Drugs Administration is reaching out to Ganpati mandals and food vendors to raise awareness and educate them on food safety measures.

Every year, during Ganeshotsav, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) collects samples of sweets from various eateries to keep a check on adulteration. Besides the annual testing of samples of mawa, barfi and other sweets, this year the FDA also conducted a one-day workshop for food vendors who sell sweets near Ganpati pandals as well as mandal members on food safety and hygiene.

FDA Commissioner Dr Pallavi Darade said, "We will be conducting regular checks on adulteration like we do each year. But this year we called up few mandals registered with the BMC, advising them to track and take precautions at their end on the quality of prasad and food items distributed," she said.

Over 70 mandals and sweets vendors attended the workshop conducted by FDA and FSSAI.

Besides safety, hygiene measures while making the sweets were also discussed.

"This initiative is one step ahead of the regular anti-adulteration drive," Darade said.

DIAL A COMPLAINT

Devotees can complain about adulteration in food on FDA helpline number: 1800222365