BKTC to have FSSAI audit, certification of Prasad in Badrinath & Kedarnath
Saturday, 21 September 2024 | Gajendra Singh Negi I DEHRADUN
Alarmed by the Prasad controversy in the Tirupati temple of Andhra Pradesh, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) overseeing the management of the world famous Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines located in Garhwal Himalayas has decided to get the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) audit of the Prasad making process. The BKTC has also decided to direct its vendors making the Prasad to get the necessary licence and certification from the FSSAI.
More than 38 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines last year. The pilgrims are given dry Prasad composed of Elaichi Dana mixed with Chana Dal, Cholai (Amaranth) laddus and dry fruits in Badrinath and Elaichi Dana mixed with dry fruits in Kedarnath. Vendors supply the dry Prasad to the shops in the temple premises and some women self help groups are engaged in making Cholai laddus. Apart from this Kesar Bhog made from saffron and high quality Basmati rice is prepared in the Badrinath temple which is also distributed as Prasad after offering it to the deity.
The chief executive officer (CEO) of BKTC Vijay Thapliyal told The Pioneer that there are about 200 vendors supplying Prasad in Badrinath while 150 vendors supply Prasad in Kedarnath. He said that about 6,900 kg of Cholai Laddus are also distributed as Prasad in Badrinath. He said that though the Prasad is mostly dry in these two shrines, the BKTC takes every measure to ensure that the Prasad is safe and is free from adulteration. He said that the committee will get in touch with the department of food safety for necessary certification, training and audit of the making of Prasad.
The health secretary and Commissioner Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FDA) R Rajesh Kumar said that food license and certification of the Prasad making in Badrinath will be done soon. He said that the FSSAI certification for Kedarnath Prasad issued in 2021 will be renewed after receipt of prerequisite requirements.
The deputy commissioner headquarters, FDA Uttarakhand G C Kandwal said that the training, awareness on food safety measures, capacity building and licence will be provided by FDA to the vendors and self help groups engaged in making of Prasad once the formal request from the BKTC is received.
