The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), the apex coordination body for public Ganesh mandals in Mumbai, has formally requested clarification from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for 'mahaprasad' preparation and distribution during the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival.
Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the BSGSS, addressed the media, affirming the mandals' commitment to food safety. However, he emphasized the significant financial challenges faced by smaller Ganesh mandals, particularly concerning potential requirements for engaging professional contractors for food preparation. The committee represents approximately 12,000 public Ganesh mandals across Mumbai.
Concerns Over New FDA Guidelines
The demand for clarity follows the Maharashtra FDA's recent introduction of year-round SOPs aimed at enhancing food safety monitoring throughout the state. Under these new guidelines, intensified enforcement activities related to major festivals are slated to commence 21 days prior to the event, involving inspections of various food establishments from manufacturers to storage facilities.
Dahibavkar noted that numerous mandals had approached the BSGSS with concerns about how these new norms would apply to their traditional 'mahaprasad' offerings. He stated that while they support the FDA's objective, clear communication is essential, especially if certain practices, such as contractor engagement, become mandatory.
“I agree 100 per cent that the action being taken by the department is correct. But our difficulty is we cannot appoint contractors because we do not have that much money. If a reputed contractor is mandatory, please tell us what we should do,” a committee representative reportedly stated.
The BSGSS has directly inquired whether the distribution of 'mahaprasad' might need to be halted entirely if mandals cannot meet specific criteria. As of their statement, they had not yet received a definitive response from the authorities.
Financial Constraints a Key Issue
A primary point of contention for the Ganesh mandals is the financial burden that stringent new regulations could impose. Smaller organizations, often operating on limited budgets, expressed concerns about their ability to comply with requirements that might necessitate significant expenditure, such as hiring external food preparation contractors. The mandals are eager to cooperate with food safety measures but seek practical solutions that consider their operational realities.