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In a bid to fortify the food safety ecosystem nationwide, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an extensive training initiative targeting food handlers at State/UT Bhawans and government office canteens in the National Capital. This effort falls under the ambit of the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme.
Since its inception, FSSAI has conducted training sessions at four State Bhawans, namely Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim, along with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), North Block. These sessions have equipped food handlers with essential knowledge and skills vital for maintaining food safety standards. The initiative aims to expand its reach to other State/UT Bhawans including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Manipur, with plans underway to extend training to all canteens in government offices.
The move aligns with the commitment made by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on June 7, 2023, to train 25 lakh food business operators over the next three years, marking World Food Safety Day. By extending FoSTaC training to State/UT Bhawans and government canteens, FSSAI endeavors to foster a safer and healthier food environment for Indian citizens.
FoSTaC, a flagship initiative of FSSAI, aims to enhance the capabilities of food handlers involved in the food business. Training programmes cover a comprehensive range of topics, including food safety regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, food operation and control, documentation, labeling, training methodologies, and emerging trends in the food industry. Successful completion of the training results in the award of the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate, recognized nationwide. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, a remarkable total of 3,58,224 food handlers have undergone training under the FoSTaC programme across India.
Extending FoSTaC training to canteens in State/UT Bhawans and government offices signifies a strategic move to empower individuals within the food supply chain with the requisite knowledge and skills to uphold food safety standards. This initiative underscores FSSAI’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the food sector, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier food environment for all.
