TDB Tells Kerala HC It Will Correct FSSAI-Flagged Deficiencies at Sabarimala Prasadam Production Facility
Kochi: The Sabarimala prasadam production facility has been found “non-compliant” in an assessment by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with deficiencies identified in cleaning and sanitation, pest prevention, storage and other food-safety requirements. Following two inspections conducted in August, the facility scored 91 out of 182 marks.
The Kerala High Court noted that the FSSAI inspection identified areas requiring corrective action, including the cleaning of equipment and utensils, proper storage of raw materials and finished products, segregation of cleaning chemicals, pest prevention, maintenance of records, food-handler training and audit-related requirements. The report also noted water leakage in parts of the production, packing and storage areas of Aravana, Appam and Panchamritham.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) informed the court that the observations made by FSSAI would be duly considered and that necessary corrective measures would be taken. The Board said further meetings would be held with FSSAI to review the compliance measures, address the identified deficiencies and progressively achieve the required standards.
The court also directed the Secretary of the Revenue (Devaswoms) Department to convene a meeting with the Kerala Food Safety Commissioner and concerned TDB officials regarding the establishment of a full-fledged Food Analysis Laboratory at Sabarimala. The proposed facility will require arrangements for infrastructure, equipment, manpower, accreditation and other statutory and technical requirements to enable regular testing of food products and materials associated with the Devaswom.