Canteen at Baba Balak Nath temple closed after prasad samples fail safety test

Barsar: The canteen of the Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust was closed on Wednesday after samples of prasad sold to devotees were found unfit for human consumption.

The temple trust has decided to outsource the canteen’s operations, according to Barsar SDM Rajendra Gautam, who also serves as the chairman of the trust.

The decision follows a report from the Composite Testing Laboratory in Kandaghat, Solan district, which revealed that samples of ‘rotis’ sold as prasad at the temple were stale and unsuitable for consumption.

The samples, taken two months ago by the Food Safety Department, included those from both the trust-run canteen and a private shop.

SDM Gautam stated that the outsourcing process for the second canteen is underway, and the tender process will be expedited to ensure better quality and safety standards.

The rotis, made with wheat, sugar, and ghee, are typically prepared in bulk and stored for several days, leading to concerns about freshness. The main canteen, operated by the temple trust since its inception, has been popular among devotees.

Approximately 50-75 lakh devotees visit the Baba Balak Nath temple annually, offering rotis, sweets, and other items.

Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh announced plans for health department awareness camps to educate stakeholders about maintaining quality standards for prasad.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has sought detailed reports on the prasad samples and directed Hamirpur district authorities to ensure that quality prasad is provided to visitors.