Union Health Minister Launches Major Training Initiative for Street Food Vendors

New Delhi: The Union Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, chaired a comprehensive training and awareness program for 1,000 street food vendors, organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at Vigyan Bhawan today. Joining him was Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

Highlighting the cultural and economic significance of street food in India, Nadda announced a waiver of the Rs. 100 registration fee for street food vendors to encourage more registrations. “To promote and support street food vendors, FSSAI will waive off the registration fee,” he stated.

Nadda also emphasized the distribution of the innovative ‘Street Safe’ Rapid Testing Kits to all vendors attending the Food Safety and Certification (FoSTaC) trainings, ensuring the use of safe food ingredients nationwide. He urged food delivery platforms to support these vendors by providing user-friendly technology solutions without imposing financial burdens, thus increasing their consumer reach.

The Health Minister encouraged vendors to apply the practical training received in their daily operations to maintain the safety and quality of traditional street food. He emphasized that FSSAI certification would enhance consumer trust and boost business growth.

During the event, Nadda launched a ‘Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Street Food Vendors’, which outlines essential hygiene and safety practices. He also inaugurated a dedicated portal (https://sfv.fssai.gov.in/) for street food vendors to share success stories and access food safety resources.

Anupriya Patel, in her address, highlighted the intrinsic cultural value of street food and the government’s commitment to enhancing food safety. “Street food is not just any meal but a tradition for Indian people. It is crucial to maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards and ensure regular testing for a safe and hygienic street food ecosystem,” she said.

The ministers inspected the “Food Safety on Wheels” vehicle, equipped for on-the-go testing of food items like oil and milk. Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, underscored the global popularity of Indian street food and the paramount importance of food safety for both hygiene and business growth. He announced that FSSAI plans to train one lakh street food vendors through its FoSTaC program over the next year.

The one-day training covered essential topics such as personal hygiene, food handling, cooking practices, and waste management. Vendors were educated on the Food Safety and Standards Act, focusing on guidelines for licensing and registration. The initiative aims to improve food safety standards and public health by enhancing the knowledge and practices of street food vendors.

Participants received instant adulteration testing kits and pledged to maintain cleanliness and provide safe food. The initiative marks a significant step in FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance food safety across the nation, building on the successful training of over 1.8 million food handlers since the FoSTaC program’s inception in 2017.

The event also featured testimonials from trained vendors, showcasing the transformative impact of the training program on their businesses and food safety practices. A video on the proper usage of oil, milk products, and waste disposal was released to further educate food handlers.

With over 1,000 street food vendors trained, this program represents a crucial effort to ensure the safety and hygiene of street food, benefiting both vendors and consumers and preserving India’s rich culinary heritage.