2 hrs ago
TDB Promises to Correct Sabarimala Prasadam Unit Deficiencies
Food inspectors checked the place where Sabarimala’s prasadam is made.
They found problems with cleaning, storage, pests and some building areas.
The unit received 91 out of 182 points and was marked as not following the required standards.
The Travancore Devaswom Board told the Kerala High Court that it would fix these problems.
It will also meet with food safety officials to review the improvements.
The inspectors will require documents showing that the corrections were made.
The court also asked officials to work quickly on a food testing laboratory at Sabarimala.
This laboratory would help check food and materials regularly.
The Travancore Devaswom Board told the Kerala High Court it will address deficiencies at Sabarimala’s prasadam production unit.
Two Food Safety and Standards Authority of India inspections in August gave the establishment 91 out of 182 marks and recorded non-compliance.
Deficiencies included cleaning, sanitation, pest prevention, storage, equipment maintenance, record keeping, training and audits.
The inspection found water leakage in parts of the production, packing and storage areas for Aravana, Appam and Panchamritham.
The court directed officials to pursue a fully functional food analysis laboratory at Sabarimala for regular testing.
- Who
- The Travancore Devaswom Board, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and the Kerala High Court.
- What
- The Board agreed to correct food-safety and facility deficiencies at Sabarimala’s prasadam production unit.
- Where
- At the Sabarimala prasadam production unit in Kerala, with proceedings before the Kerala High Court in Kochi.
- When
- The FSSAI inspections took place in August, and the High Court proceedings were reported on September 24.
- Why
- To address the non-compliance identified by FSSAI and establish regular testing of food products and materials.
Key facts
- Inspection authority
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Inspection timing
- Two inspections were conducted in August.
- Assessment score
- The unit scored 91 out of a maximum 182 marks.
- Assessment result
- The establishment was recorded as non-compliant.
- Reported deficiencies
- Problems involved cleaning, sanitation, pest prevention, storage, equipment, records, training and audits.
- Products and areas affected
- Water leakage was reported in production, packing and storage areas for Aravana, Appam and Panchamritham.
- Additional court direction
- Officials were told to take expedited steps toward establishing a fully functional food analysis laboratory at Sabarimala.
Quotes
Kerala High Court bench
The bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar.
“The concerned authorities shall work out the modalities and take expeditious steps for setting up the laboratory at the earliest, keeping in view the need for effective and regular testing of food products and materials associated with the Devaswom.”
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