In anticipation of the massive influx of lakhs of devotees for the Magh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has launched a comprehensive, multi-layered action plan. The initiative aims to guarantee the availability of safe, hygienic, and unadulterated food across the entire Prayagraj district during the religious congregation.
Massive Inspection Drive Across All Food Outlets
The regulatory sweep is not confined to the mela grounds alone. Inspections have already begun, targeting hotels, restaurants, dhabas, mobile food vendors, and all other eateries throughout Prayagraj. This pre-emptive drive started as early as December 30, covering the city and all major entry routes leading to it.
To manage this enormous task, the department has significantly bolstered its manpower on the ground. While Prayagraj already has a core team of one designated officer, one chief food safety officer, and 19 full-time food safety officers, four additional chief food safety officers and 14 more food safety officers have been deployed specifically for the mela period. On major bathing days, the force will be further strengthened with four additional assistant commissioners (food).
On-the-Spot Testing and Real-Time Monitoring
A key feature of this year's strategy is the deployment of technology for immediate results. Five mobile food testing laboratories, operating under the 'Food Safety on Wheels' (FSW) initiative, have been stationed in the mela area since January 3. These labs enable officials to conduct on-the-spot testing of food samples, speeding up enforcement actions.
The entire region has been strategically divided into three zones for efficient coverage:
- The core mela area
- The remaining urban areas of Prayagraj
- Major approach routes and highways leading to the city
Daily inspection reports from all zones will be shared with the headquarters for real-time monitoring of the situation. To centralize operations, a 24x7 camp office of the FSDA is being set up within the mela premises itself.
Direct Feedback and Awareness Campaigns
The department is also focusing on transparency and public participation. All food businesses have been directed to comply with several display mandates, including:
- Clearly showing rate lists.
- Installing covered dustbins.
- Pasting food safety connect stickers.
These stickers will allow visitors to register their feedback or complaints directly on the FSDA portal. For immediate assistance, the department's toll-free helpline number 1800-180-5533 will remain operational round the clock.
Furthermore, extensive awareness campaigns are being conducted. Food safety guidelines are being disseminated among both pilgrims and food operators through handbills, pamphlets, and pocket booklets. The overall implementation of this extensive action plan is being overseen by the Additional Commissioner (Administration), who has been appointed as the nodal officer for the department for the mela period.
