10 Delhi gurdwaras adopt FSSAI food safety guidelines

New Delhi, June 17

Ten gurdwaras in the national capital, including the historic Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, have implemented the food safety and hygiene standards set by food regulator FSSAI. 

Around one lakh devotees partake of langar here daily, five lakh during weekends.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated Project BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) to encourage all places of worship in the country to adopt and maintain food safety and hygiene.  

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGM-C) president Manjit Singh GK said they had set food safety and hygiene standards for community kitchens on the procurement of ingredients.

Desi ghee and edible oils purchased for use in langar have been standardised and are tested for purity in government labs. Payment to suppliers is made only after the lab reports are obtained.

Vegetables are directly procured from Azadpur Mandi to ensure freshness and nutritional content, while fortified staple items rice, flour and milk are procured to make ‘prasad’ nutritious and wholesome, he added. 

Reverse osmosis (RO) plants have been set up to provide clean water for cooking. Even the training and adoption of hygienic practices by the food handlers is being closely monitored, Manjit Singh said.

Employees engaged in langar kitchen are required to wear aprons, gloves and head covers. Certain items like chapatis are prepared using standard equipment without being touched by handlers.

All langar premises are cleaned twice a day and a non-profit group has been engaged for regular training and updating of the langar staff and food handlers, the DSGMC chief said.  —  TNS