How are Mumbai societies preparing Ganpati prasad? Tukaram Mundhe wants to know

As directed, residential societies in Vasai-Virar and Andheri must inform the FDA at least seven days before an event.

The advisory has drawn attention because it applies not only to large public gatherings but also to community meals organised within housing societies. The messages state that distributing prasad to 100–200 residents would still qualify as “collective food distribution”.

The FDA directive requires the organisers to submit a letter to the designated officer or food safety officer in their area at least seven days before the event. The letter should have the programme date, the anticipated number of people, and the caterer’s name and FSSAI number.

Use of caps, masks now mandatory

Where residents prepare the food themselves, the FDA advises them to obtain temporary FSSAI registration through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. They also ask organisers to retain bills for ingredients such as oil, ghee, paneer and groceries.

For food-safety precautions, the FDA makes it mandatory for those preparing food to use caps, masks, gloves and aprons; RO water for drinking and cooking; and food storage in steel or food-grade containers. They also ask organisers to display a Food Safety Connect QR code.

The directives also ask residents to approach the Palghar FDA office, while the Andheri version refers them to the Food Safety Officer of the relevant BMC ward. Both suggest submitting a simple letter on the society’s letterhead and obtaining an acknowledgement.

Any violation of the directives to ensure food safety could invite a case and a fine ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

However, it is not confirmed whether the precise statutory provision and the penalty apply to every instance of non-intimation or only to violations.