New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is taking significant strides to bolster food safety standards across State/UT Bhawans and government office canteens in the National Capital through its Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme. As part of this initiative, FSSAI is conducting training sessions for food handlers to enhance the overall Food Safety Ecosystem nationwide.
In a proactive move, FSSAI has already conducted training sessions at four State Bhawans, including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim. These sessions have equipped all food handlers at these Bhawans with essential training on various aspects of food safety. Furthermore, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), North Block, has also undergone training as part of this program.
The FoSTaC training programme, designed as a flagship initiative by FSSAI, covers a comprehensive range of topics crucial for food handlers involved in the food business. These topics include food safety rules and regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, food operation and control, documentation and records, labelling, training methodologies, and emerging trends in the food industry. The objective is to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the food sector.
The initiative aligns with the announcement made by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on June 7, 2023, where a commitment to “Training of 25 lakh food business operators by FSSAI in the next 3 years” was declared on World Food Safety Day. This move is seen as a significant step towards creating a safer and healthier food environment for the citizens of India.
In the coming days, FSSAI plans to extend its training sessions to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Manipur Bhawans. Additionally, the FoSTaC programme will be implemented in all canteens within government offices.
This extension of the FoSTaC training to canteens of State/UT Bhawans and government offices reflects FSSAI’s commitment to reaching a wider audience and empowering individuals in the food supply chain. Successful completion of the training will earn participants the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate, recognized across India. In the fiscal year 2023-24, a commendable 3,58,224 food handlers have already undergone training under the FoSTaC programme nationwide. The move underscores FSSAI’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and quality in the Indian food industry.