The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has awarded the ‘Eat Right Prasad’ certificate to mohanthal prasad provided to devotees by the Ambaji Temple trust. Stating that it is a matter of pride for Gujarat, the state government attributed the “achievement” to the “quality and cleanliness” of the prasad provided to devotees by the temple trust and the disciplined functioning of the temple. “This success has been achieved under the guidance and leadership of Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust and Additional Collector Kaushik Modi,” it stated. In 2023, the mohanthal prasad, made of gram flour, ghee and sugar, landed in controversy and was replaced by chikki, citing longer shelf life and reports of alleged adulteration that followed. The Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) also seized ghee from the firm, which was given the contract to make the prasad. ‘Eat Right Prasad’ certificate is awarded to religious places, which follows strict standards of food safety, hygiene and quality while preparing and distributing prasad.
Councillors’ Protest
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors, during a general board meeting of the Surat Municipal Corporation on Tuesday, protested against the issue of creek floods in the city by showing up in mud-soaked clothes. The councillors, including Leader of Opposition Payal Sakariya, also raised slogans against the ruling BJP, blaming the party for the situation in Surat. AAP councillor Dharmesh Bhanderi said, “Our motive behind attending the general board meeting in mud-soaked clothes is to register our protest against the ruling BJP, as they have failed to guard Surat against creek floods. Surat witnesses creek floods every year, and the ruling party has no solution. The flood-affected people have to shift from their houses to other places.”
