The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, attracts millions of devotees. Ensuring the safety of food consumed at such a massive event is a critical challenge. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with the Food Safety and Drug Administration of Uttar Pradesh, has undertaken extensive measures to maintain food safety and hygiene at the event.

FSSAI has deployed a wide range of initiatives to ensure a safe food environment during the Maha Kumbh 2025:

Deployment of Mobile Food Testing Labs: 10 Mobile Food Testing Labs (Food Safety on Wheels) have been deployed to conduct on-the-spot testing of food items for adulteration and spoilage. These labs are supported by food analysts and are stationed across the fair area to cater to different sectors.

Food Safety Personnel: A total of 56 Food Safety Officers (FSOs), including 5 Chief Food Safety Officers (CFSOs), are monitoring food safety across five zones and 25 sectors. Each sector has two FSOs, while each zone is supervised by one CFSO.

Monitoring and Inspection: Regular inspections of hotels, dhabas, and small food stalls within the fair premises are conducted to verify food quality and hygiene. Specific focus is placed on the quality of raw materials and cooking methods.

Complaint Redressal: A dedicated office at Sankat Mochan Marg in Sector 24 centrally manages food safety operations and promptly addresses food safety complaints.

Sample Collection and Testing: Essential food items like rice, sugar, and wheat flour destined for the Mela are regularly tested. Samples are collected from designated distribution and storage points and tested at the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Varanasi.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Interactive pavilions are set up to educate the public and vendors about food safety.

Activities include:

• Nukkad Nataks (street plays) on safe food practices.
• Live quizzes on food safety and nutrition.
• Guidance on issues like adulteration, licensing, and training for Food Business Operators (FBOs).

Logistical Arrangements for Food Movement: Ensuring that food destined for the Mela moves directly from the supplier to the Port, Inland Container Depot, Airport, or Land Customs Station for further distribution. Aggregated supplies from multiple vendors are routed through registered warehouses for quality checks before being transported to distribution points.