Will fix FSSAI-flagged deficiencies at Sabarimala Prasadam unit: TDB to Kerala HC
Kochi: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has informed the Kerala High Court that it will take steps to rectify deficiencies identified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at the prasadam production unit at Sabarimala.
The Board said it would address issues related to cleaning and sanitation, pest prevention and storage, among other areas, and ensure that the required standards are progressively achieved.
FSSAI flags multiple deficiencies
The FSSAI identified several areas requiring improvement during two inspections of the prasadam production establishment in August this year.
In its report submitted to the High Court, the food safety authority awarded the establishment 91 marks out of a maximum of 182 and recorded the result as “non-compliance”.
The deficiencies identified included aspects related to the premises, maintenance and design, pest prevention, storage arrangements, cleaning and sanitation, maintenance of equipment, documentation and record-keeping, food handler training and audit-related requirements.
The report also pointed out the need for improved cleaning of equipment and utensils, proper segregation and storage of cleaning chemicals, better storage of raw materials and finished products, appropriate stock rotation and maintenance of related records.
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Water leakage reported in production areas
The FSSAI report also found water leakage in portions of the production, packing and storage areas used for Aravana, Appam and Panchamritham.
The High Court noted that the TDB had been directed by the FSSAI to rectify the non-conformities identified during the inspection and submit supporting documentary evidence for verification by the competent authority.
TDB promises corrective measures
A bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar noted that the assessment had identified specific areas requiring corrective action and subsequent verification.
The TDB told the court that the inputs and observations received from the FSSAI would be duly considered and that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements.
The Board also said further meetings would be held with the FSSAI to review the compliance measures, address the deficiencies identified during the inspections and ensure that the required standards are progressively achieved.
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Sabarimala food analysis laboratory
The High Court also considered the issue of establishing a full-fledged food analysis laboratory at Sabarimala.
The court directed the Secretary to the Government, Revenue (Devaswoms) Department, to convene a meeting with the Food Safety Commissioner, Kerala, and the concerned TDB officers, and to undertake regular follow-up with all stakeholders.
The meeting will consider the infrastructure, equipment, manpower, accreditation and other statutory and technical requirements needed to establish and make the laboratory fully functional.
The bench directed the concerned authorities to work out the modalities and take expeditious steps to set up the laboratory at the earliest, considering the need for effective and regular testing of food products and materials associated with the Devaswom.
(With PTI inputs)