diff --git a/src/charm.py b/src/charm.py
index 79c2bfd..4d333a1 100755
--- a/src/charm.py
+++ b/src/charm.py
@@ -518,6 +518,7 @@ def _environment_variables(self) -> dict:
             "GRPC_VERBOSITY": "debug",
             "POD_IP": _get_pod_ip(),
             "MANAGED_BY_CONFIG_POD": "true",
+            "GIN_MODE": "release",
         }
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py b/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py
index 6ceb9ca..26219e1 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py
+++ b/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py
@@ -191,6 +191,7 @@ def test_given_given_workload_ready_when_configure_then_pebble_plan_is_applied(
                                     "GRPC_VERBOSITY": "debug",
                                     "POD_IP": "1.1.1.1",
                                     "MANAGED_BY_CONFIG_POD": "true",
+                                    "GIN_MODE": "release",
                                 },
                             }
                         },