Ayodhya, October 2026 : The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has been awarded the ‘Eat Right Place of Worship-BHOG’ (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) certificate by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), recognising its adherence to prescribed food safety, hygiene and quality standards.
The Shri Ram Temple scored 103 out of 114 marks in the assessment, securing a place in the ‘Ati Vishisht’ (Outstanding) category. A total of six places of worship in Ayodhya have received the certification, which will remain valid for two years.
The certificate distribution ceremony was organised under the coordination of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Seva Trust. FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Poonhani visited Ayodhya with his team for the event. Rekha Chauhan, Special Secretary and Additional Commissioner of the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA), welcomed the guests.
FSSAI Certification Ensures Safe and Quality Prasad
Rekha Chauhan explained that under FSSAI’s ‘Eat Right’ initiative, temples and gurdwaras across the country are being assessed and certified for food safety and hygiene.
The programme involves auditing the safety, cleanliness and quality of prasad prepared and distributed at places of worship against prescribed standards. Certificates are issued following the completion of the assessment.
She said certificates are generally issued online, but considering the special significance of the Shri Ram Temple, the FSSAI CEO personally visited Ayodhya with his team. Food handlers at the temple were also provided with the necessary training, and the institution met the prescribed requirements.
‘Prasad Is Not Just Food but a Symbol of Faith and Dignity’
FSSAI CEO Rajit Poonhani said the central message of the Eat Right campaign is, “If it is safe, it is food.”
He described his visit to a place that holds immense religious significance for millions of devotees as a special privilege. He emphasised that prasad is not merely food but a symbol of faith and dignity, making it a collective responsibility to ensure that devotees receive safe and high-quality offerings.
Poonhani added that the Eat Right initiative also certifies Anganwadi centres, schools and colleges to promote safe and nutritious food. A similar certification framework has been introduced for places of worship.
He congratulated everyone associated with the programme.
Five-Stage Process for BHOG Certification
The ‘Eat Right Place of Worship-BHOG’ certification involves a five-stage assessment process.
In the first stage, the place of worship must possess a valid FSSAI licence or registration and display it prominently.
The second stage involves an initial audit by an authorised auditor covering the kitchen, storage facilities and dining areas.
In the third stage, food safety supervisors working at the premises must undergo training under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme.
The fourth stage involves an assessment against 47 parameters under the ‘Eat Right Place of Worship’ checklist. The certification recommendation is based on the total score obtained out of 114 marks.
In the final stage, the certificate is issued after approval by the FSSAI.
Scores Above 100 Qualify for the ‘Outstanding’ Category
During the assessment, each parameter is classified as compliant, non-compliant, partially compliant or not applicable. Most parameters carry two marks each, while 10 critical parameters carry four marks each.
Places of worship scoring between 100 and 114 marks are placed in the ‘Ati Vishisht’ or Outstanding category. Those scoring between 91 and 99 marks fall under the ‘Satisfactory’ category. Both categories are eligible for certification recommendations.
Institutions scoring between 77 and 90 marks are placed in the ‘Improvement Required’ category and must undergo a repeat audit. Those scoring below 77 marks are required to apply again.
FSSAI Manager Ananya Pandey said the Shri Ram Temple was evaluated against all 47 parameters and scored 103 out of 114, qualifying it for certification in the Outstanding category.
Six Places of Worship in Ayodhya Certified
Six religious institutions in Ayodhya have received the ‘Eat Right Place of Worship-BHOG’ certificate. These include the Shri Ram Temple, Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan, a Jain temple and Devkali, along with one other place of worship.
The certification is aimed at strengthening food safety practices and maintaining hygiene in the preparation, storage and distribution of prasad.
Certificate Valid for Two Years
The BHOG certificate will remain valid for two years. During this period, audits will be conducted by state and central government officials.
In addition, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra’s internal audit team will review food safety and hygiene practices every fortnight using the prescribed checklist.
‘Cleanliness Is Equivalent to Divinity’
P. Govind Dev Guruji, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Seva Trust, said, “Cleanliness is equivalent to divinity.”
He emphasised the importance of food in shaping a person’s mind and life, noting that Ayurveda also places considerable importance on diet.
He said food is an integral part of life, and its purity assumes even greater significance when it is received as prasad from a temple. Therefore, both the preparation and distribution of prasad must be carried out with the highest standards of purity.
He added that while doing good work independently brings satisfaction, receiving formal recognition from a qualified institution is a matter of pride. The FSSAI certificate, he said, validates the temple’s efforts to maintain food safety and hygiene.
Officials and Trust Representatives Attend
Those present at the ceremony included FSSAI CEO Rajit Poonhani, Executive Director Umashankar Dhyani, Executive Director Dr Amit Sharma, Regional Director Devesh Kumar Mahla and Manager Ananya Pandey.
Representatives of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Seva Trust included General Secretary P. Govind Dev Guruji, Shri Krishna Mohanji, Shri Dinendra Das Ji Nirmohi, Shri Madan Mohanji Pandey and Secretary Jagdish Afale, along with several other dignitaries.
