The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is training food handlers at State and UT Bhawans and government office canteens in the National Capital. This initiative is a key part of FSSAI’s nationwide effort to strengthen food safety practices through the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program.
Training sessions have successfully taken place at State Bhawans in Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim, as well as at the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in North Block. The primary goal is to enhance food safety standards in State and UT Bhawans and government office canteens. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Manipur Bhawans, followed by comprehensive coverage of canteens in government offices.
Aligned with the commitment made by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on World Food Safety Day (7th June, 2023), the initiative is part of the broader goal to train 25 lakh food business operators over the next three years. It represents a significant step towards establishing a safer and healthier food environment for the citizens of India.
FoSTaC, is a flagship initiative of FSSAI, focusing on training food handlers engaged in the food business. Covering a spectrum of topics such as food safety regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, food operation and control, documentation, records, labeling, and emerging trends in the food industry, the program aims to instill a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the food sector. Successful participants will be awarded the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate, recognized across India. In FY 2023-24, FoSTaC has trained a total of 3,58,224 food handlers nationwide.
The extension of FoSTaC training to canteens in all State/UT Bhawans and government offices will extend the reach of valuable knowledge and skills, empowering individuals across the food supply chain to uphold stringent food safety standards.