The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has embarked on a mission to empower the food safety ecosystem across the nation. As part of its Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme, the authority is providing training sessions to food handlers at State/UT Bhawans and government office canteens situated in the National Capital. Training sessions have already commenced at four State Bhawans, namely Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim. These sessions, along with those conducted at the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), North Block, aim to equip food handlers with essential knowledge and skills about food safety standards.
Further sessions are slated to be held at Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Manipur Bhawans shortly. The initiative also extends to encompass canteens within government offices.
Commitment to Public Health
This endeavor aligns with the FSSAI's commitment to the announcement made by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on June 7, 2023, on World Food Safety Day. The minister pledged to train 25 lakh food business operators over the next three years. By extending FoSTaC training to State/UT Bhawans and government canteens, FSSAI seeks to create a safer and healthier food environment for the citizens of India.
FoSTaC Programme Overview
FoSTaC, a flagship initiative of FSSAI, focuses on training food handlers engaged in the food business. The comprehensive training programs cover various aspects including food safety regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, food operation and control, documentation, labeling, training methodologies, and emerging trends in the food industry. The overarching objective is to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the food sector.
Empowering Food Handlers
Participants who complete the training are conferred with the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate, which is recognised across India. In the fiscal year 2023-24, a total of 3,58,224 food handlers have undergone training under the FoSTaC programme nationwide.
By disseminating knowledge and skills related to food safety standards to a broader audience, this initiative aims to empower individuals across the food supply chain, thereby reinforcing food safety standards nationwide.
Empowering 30 food handlers! #FSSAI conducted a successful #FoSTaC training at Sikkim Bhawan, Delhi, focusing on food safety and hygiene standards.#FoodSafety#HygieneTraining@MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/fpKi6jFRH2
— FSSAI (@fssaiindia) February 14, 2024
