TDB probes ‘lapse’ after honey supplied in acid containers

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has launched an investigation into an incident in which honey supplied to the Sabarimala temple was delivered in containers typically used for acid.

According to official sources, the agency contracted to supply the materials, Regional Agro Industrial Development Co-operative of Kerala Ltd (RAYDCO), handed over the stock in plastic containers labelled for acid. The issue came to light during a probe by the Devaswom Vigilance department, after which the honey was set aside temporarily. Based on the findings, a show cause notice has been served to the agency.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that the stock had passed inspection by the Food Safety Laboratory at Pampa, where all edible items brought for temple use are subjected to sample testing. A TDB official clarified that the issue pertains only to the labelling on the containers.

“Honey is primarily used for performing the Ashtabhishekam ritual and is never distributed to devotees as an offering or used in preparing other offerings. Therefore, there is no risk of anyone consuming it,” the official said.

Meanwhile, a review meeting presided over by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan at Erumely on Thursday decided to strengthen surveillance systems, including along forest routes, to manage the Sabarimala pilgrimage rush. The meeting emphasised that pilgrims travelling via the forest trail must not bypass the traditional path for alternate routes. To ensure this, the Forest department and the police will conduct coordinated monitoring at key points along the trail, including Mukkuzhi.

The meeting also decided to explore the introduction of spot booking at Mukkuzhi for pilgrims arriving there. Even those who receive such passes will be required to report at Pampa before proceeding to the Sannidhanam.

The meeting also reviewed measures and preparations undertaken by various departments and agencies in Erumely and surrounding areas in connection with the pilgrimage. Checks will also be strengthened, in line with High Court directives, to ensure that no chemical vermillion is sold in local shops.

It was also reported that mobile sewage treatment units, temporarily deployed for waste management in Erumely, are functioning effectively. TDB president K. Jayakumar and Kottayam District Collector Chetan Kumar Meena were also present.