Ganeshotsav 2026: New FDA Rules For Prasad, Annadaan At Mumbai Ganpati Mandals

Ganpati mandals across Mumbai will have to pay closer attention to the food and prasad they serve during Ganeshotsav this year. For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Tukaram Mundhe, has introduced a 21-point standard operating procedure (SOP) covering food preparation, hygiene and large-scale distribution. Want to know what the procedure is? Read on!

Mumbai’s FDA Introduces 21-Point SOP For Prasad During Ganeshotsav

According to reports by the Hindustan Times, the FDA has also called a meeting with representatives of Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals to explain the new requirements. The initiative is part of the FDA’s Festival Enforcement Calendar, which seeks to strengthen the implementation of food safety regulations during major festivals. Ganeshotsav has been classified as a Level 1 festival due to the large-scale preparation and distribution of food. The enforcement plan will operate in four stages: preparation, intensive enforcement, festival-day surveillance and post-festival follow-up.

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During the initial phase, officials will identify high-risk areas, map food supply chains and prepare inspection teams, testing kits and laboratory facilities. The second phase will involve inspections and sampling across food manufacturers, warehouses, markets and other supply points. Milk and dairy products such as milk, curd, paneer, khoya, butter and ghee have been identified as priority commodities. The FDA will also investigate the source of any detected adulteration, rather than limiting action to the point of sale.

On festival days, officials will monitor sweet shops, food stalls, temporary establishments and mass food-distribution centres. ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ vans may also be deployed for on-site testing and awareness.

Smaller Ganesh Pandals Raise Concerns

While larger mandals have started preparing to comply, smaller groups are concerned about the practical challenges. One major issue is the requirement to engage licensed food contractors. Representatives of mandals said smaller community groups often rely on women’s self-help groups or local volunteers to prepare prasad and meals, making the contractor requirement difficult to implement at short notice.

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Organisers have therefore urged the FDA to take a practical approach and consider giving smaller mandals additional time to meet the new requirements. The new SOP marks a significant step towards improving food safety during Mumbai’s large-scale Ganeshotsav celebrations. At the same time, mandals hope its implementation will account for the varied scale and resources of community celebrations.

What are your thoughts about the new guidelines?

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons