Ayodhya Ram Temple Gets FSSAI’s Highest ‘Eat Right Place of Worship’ Rating for Food Safety

The Ram temple in Ayodhya has received the highest rating under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) ‘Eat Right Place of Worship’ initiative. The rating recognises the temple’s efforts to keep food safe and hygienic while preparing and distributing prasad.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Scored 103 Out of 114 Points, Earning ‘Ati Vishisht’ Rating

The temple scored 103 out of 114 points and earned the ‘Ati Vishisht’ rating under the BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) program. The certificates were presented at a programme in Ayodhya attended by FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani and officials of the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA).

Five other places of worship in Ayodhya also received BHOG certification:

Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan, a Jain temple, Devkali temple, and one more site. 

Why Did Ram Temple Receive the Highest Rating for Prasad Safety?

The temple’s kitchens, storage areas and serving areas were checked against set food safety standards and scored in the top category. Prasad is a symbol of faith and dignity, so safe and quality prasad is a shared responsibility. Trust general secretary Govind Dev Giri said hygiene must be kept during both preparation and distribution.

The certificate is valid for two years. During this time, state and central authorities will inspect and audit the temple. The trust will also review compliance every fortnight using a checklist.

What Is the ‘Eat Right Place of Worship’ Initiative?

It aims to improve food safety at places of worship that prepare and serve prasad and langar. Its main objectives are:

1. Ensuring hygiene in preparing, storing, and distributing food.
2. Reducing the chances of contamination and adulteration.
3. Training food handlers.
4. Spreading awareness among places of worship and devotees.
5. Ensuring compliance with food safety rules.

How Does the BHOG Rating System Work Across Indian Temples?

BHOG is part of FSSAI’s wider ‘Eat Right’ initiative. The process has five stages:

1. Verification of a valid FSSAI licence or registration.
2. Inspection by an authorised auditor.
3. Food safety training of supervisors under the FoSTaC programme.
4. Assessment on a checklist of 47 parameters, with a maximum score of 114.
5. FSSAI review and approval before the certificate is issued.

What Do the Different FSSAI Ratings Mean?

With 103 points, the Ram temple falls in the highest category.

1. 100 to 114 - ‘Ati Vishisht’ (highest rating).
2. 91 to 99 - ‘Santoshjanak’ (satisfactory).
3. 77 to 90 - Another audit needed after improvements.
4. Below 77 - Must reapply.