Contaminated honey scare hits Sabarimala offerings

A contract-holder tasked with supplying honey for offerings at Sabarimala delivered containers that tested positive for formic acid, prompting the vigilance wing of the shrine's managing board to quash the consignment.

- HD Bureau

The contaminated shipment raised alarm over the safety protocols governing prasadam supplies at the pilgrimage centre.

The diversion from honey to what appeared to be formic-acid containers was flagged during a routine inspection by the devaswom vigilance team - leading to an immediate decision that the consignment should not be used for offerings. The transaction exposed vulnerabilities in food procurement and inspection protocols at the shrine, especially during the current Mandala-Makaravilakku season, which draws large crowds and demands precise safety oversight.