Guidelines issued for preparation of ‘annadhanam’ items to be served for devotees for Chithirai festival

Guidelines issued for preparation of ‘annadhanam’ to be served for devotees during Chithirai festival

Ahead of the Chithirai festival, Madurai Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar has issued guidelines for preparation and distribution of food items as ‘annadhanam’ to devotees at mandagapadis and other places.

In a statement, the Collector said hygiene must be ensured in preparation of food items distributed as ‘annadhanam’ to devotees at mandagapadis and other places. The food items should be served in a clean and hygienic manner.

Prasadam, sherbat, water, buttermilk and other drinks distributed to devotees should not contain any additives or non-permitted colours. Plastic bowls, tumblers and bags which have been banned should not be used. The organisers should use clean water and ensure that the food items are free from additives.

Banana leaves, arecanut palm leaf plates, or Thonnai leaf plates should be used to serve the food items. Materials used for preparation of the food items should be of good quality. The manufacture and expiry dates of the materials used should be properly verified prior to the use. The used leaf plates and leftovers should be properly disposed of in the designated Corporation garbage bins.

Those organising the mandagapadis and the ‘annadhanam’ stalls should register online on https://foscos.fssai.gov.in by paying the fee and get the permission and registration certificate from the Food Safety Department. Only those having the certificate would be allowed to distribute food items to the devotees.

Appropriate action would be initiated against those who fail to comply with the regulations as per Section 58 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. For any complaints regarding food and food products, the people can contact the Department - 9444042322.