TDB to establish food safety lab ahead of Sabarimala season

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is establishing a food safety laboratory at Pampa to conduct comprehensive testing of prasadam offerings distributed at Sabarimala shrine. The facility will assess compliance with parameters set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensuring that sacred offerings meet all regulatory standards.

The decision reflects growing emphasis on maintaining food safety protocols at major pilgrimage sites that attract hundreds of thousands of devotees during peak seasons. The laboratory will facilitate regular evaluation of prasadam batches before distribution, covering aspects such as microbial contamination, shelf life, and ingredient quality.

With the Sabarimala pilgrimage season approaching, the TDB has prioritized infrastructure upgrades to manage the influx of visitors while safeguarding public health. The Pampa location, serving as a gateway to the shrine, provides convenient access for conducting quality checks on offerings prepared for devotees.

This initiative aligns with broader regulatory requirements governing food preparation and distribution at religious institutions across India. The laboratory's establishment demonstrates the TDB's commitment to blending traditional practices with contemporary food safety standards at one of South India's most significant pilgrimage destinations.