The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an extensive operation to ensure food safety during the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, which is witnessing millions of devotees gathering for the religious event. With its robust strategy, the FSSAI is committed to providing safe and hygienic food by deploying Mobile Food Testing Labs, Food Safety Officers (FSOs), and conducting public awareness initiatives.
As part of this large-scale effort, the FSSAI, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration, has stationed 10 Mobile Food Testing Labs, known as “Food Safety on Wheels,” across the fairground. These labs are equipped to conduct on-the-spot testing of food items to detect adulteration and spoilage. In addition to testing, these labs also serve as hubs for spreading awareness among Food Business Operators (FBOs), street food vendors, and the general public, ensuring the fair is a safe food environment.
The fairground has been divided into five zones and 25 sectors, with food safety enforcement teams strategically placed to cover every area. A total of 56 FSOs, including five Chief Food Safety Officers (CFSOs), have been deployed for this purpose. Each sector is manned by two FSOs, while a Chief Officer oversees the operations of each zone. The entire operation is coordinated from a dedicated central office at Sankat Mochan Marg in Sector 24, ensuring streamlined monitoring and enforcement of hygiene standards.
Inspections of hotels, dhabas, and small food stalls are being carried out systematically to verify food quality and safety. Teams have been instructed to address complaints immediately and enforce stringent checks on cooking methods and the quality of raw materials used. Additionally, essential food items such as rice, sugar, and wheat flour are sampled regularly from identified distribution and storage points. These samples are then tested at the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Varanasi to maintain strict quality control.
To complement its enforcement measures, the FSSAI has also emphasized public education. An interactive pavilion has been set up to engage with attendees and vendors, featuring live quizzes on food safety, nutrition, and the risks of food adulteration. Nukkad Natak performances are being held to illustrate the importance of hygienic practices, while FSSAI officials at the pavilion are raising awareness about licensing, training, and safe food handling methods.
These comprehensive arrangements reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to public health and safety at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. By integrating cutting-edge testing facilities, regular inspections, and widespread public engagement, the FSSAI aims to uphold food safety standards and ensure a positive experience for all devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 stands as a testament to the importance of combining technology, public participation, and governance in managing food safety at events of this scale, safeguarding the well-being of millions who gather to celebrate this grand occasion.
