How many more caterers are playing with
religious harmony?
Ravin Saluja, director with STERLING AGRO INDUSTRIES LIMITED(
Nova Dairy Products )
With the recent GST hikes affecting various sectors, the catering industry has found itself
facing new financial pressures. In an industry that spans religious events, temple food
offerings, festivals, and large-scale gatherings, the higher GST can sometimes lead to
unintended and harmful shortcuts. To maintain profits amidst these added costs, some
catering providers might resort to adulterating food with cheaper or substandard
ingredients—risking not only consumer health but also undermining religious and cultural
harmony. Tackling this issue requires a balanced approach from both the government and
the community to ensure food safety and religious integrity in mass catering.
Rising GST: Pressure on Caterers and Bulk Producers
The GST increase has notably impacted food items and essential raw materials used by
catering businesses. For caterers serving in bulk—whether for temples, religious events, or
large gatherings—this rise directly affects their cost structure, and for smaller or
economically challenged providers, it can feel nearly impossible to pass these extra costs on
to consumers. The temptation to cut costs by using less expensive, sometimes inferior,
ingredients can creep in, especially when businesses feel the squeeze to stay competitive or
when contracts mandate fixed prices.
Adulteration can occur in several forms—mixing lower-quality or synthetic ingredients,
reducing essential nutrients, and using unapproved preservatives. For example, cheaper
oils, watered-down milk, artificial sweeteners, and even dangerous chemicals like lead
chromate (used to mimic turmeric’s color) are seen in instances where caterers look to lower
expenses. In the context of temple food or food served at religious gatherings, such
practices can cause cultural and spiritual offence, as well as serious health risks.
The Implications for Religious Harmony and Safety
In many cultures, food is central to religious expression and community gatherings, and this
importance is pronounced in temple offerings and sacred food distributions. These meals are
traditionally prepared with a focus on purity, as they carry spiritual significance. Adulterating
these foods undermines the trust and sanctity associated with them, which could harm the
social fabric by triggering disappointment or even community tensions if issues with the
quality or authenticity of food arise.
Moreover, public health risks emerge when adulterated food is served on a large scale, as
contaminated ingredients can lead to health problems ranging from mild allergies to severe
food poisoning. In such cases, mass food contamination could potentially incite social
unrest, especially if communities believe that their religious sanctity has been compromised
due to economic pressures on caterers.
Steps the Government Can Take to Curb Adulteration
Reduce GST on Essential Ingredients for Religious and Bulk Catering: The government
could consider categorizing food meant for religious functions or temple services separately,
applying a reduced GST rate on essential ingredients like milk, ghee, and grains. This would
ease the cost burden on caterers and bulk food providers, reducing the incentive to
adulterate.
Implement Food Safety Regulations for Religious Catering: Setting stricter safety
standards specifically for food prepared for religious functions and large gatherings could
help ensure high quality. Mandatory regular inspections and certifications would promote
compliance and provide an extra layer of protection for consumers.
Provide Subsidies or Tax Rebates for Bulk Food Production: For temples and other
religious institutions producing food in large quantities, the government could offer subsidies
or tax rebates on bulk purchases of high-quality ingredients. This would encourage caterers
to prioritize quality over cost-cutting and lower the pressure to adulterate food.
Encourage the Use of Certified Vendors for Religious Catering: The government could
create a registry of certified caterers known for their adherence to quality standards and offer
incentives to institutions that choose these providers. This could set a standard for quality
and help build trust in the authenticity of food offerings.
What Communities and Individuals Can Do to Help
Increase Awareness About Food Safety: Religious organizations, community leaders, and
event organizers can help educate the public on the importance of food safety and quality
standards. By raising awareness, individuals are empowered to make informed decisions
and encourage caterers to maintain high-quality practices.
Choose Certified or Trusted Caterers: Communities can opt for caterers or vendors with
proven reputations for quality and safety, or those certified by food safety boards. This
increases accountability and provides support to businesses that prioritize ethical practices
over profit margins.
Promote Transparent Ingredient Sourcing: Encouraging caterers to be transparent about
their ingredient sources fosters greater trust. This could include clearly labeling food items
and specifying ingredient sources, especially in the context of temple food and religious
offerings.
Support Local and Organic Ingredients: Where possible, communities and temples can
consider sourcing ingredients from local or organic suppliers. Not only does this practice
support the local economy, but it also reduces the chance of encountering adulterated or
substandard products.
Rising GST rates undoubtedly place financial stress on caterers and bulk producers, but
these challenges should not come at the cost of quality and integrity, especially where food
plays a significant role in religious and cultural harmony. The government, catering
providers, and communities must work collaboratively to prevent food adulteration. Through
thoughtful regulations, consumer awareness, and incentives for quality, it is possible to
safeguard the purity of food served at religious and large-scale events. Together, these
actions can help ensure that the food served at religious and cultural gatherings upholds the
highest standards of safety and respect, preserving both public health and communal trust.
How many more caterers are playing withreligious harmony?
