In its relentless pursuit of ensuring food safety across the nation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has embarked on a transformative journey. Through its Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program, FSSAI is extending comprehensive training to food handlers in all State/UT Bhawans and government office canteens in the National Capital and beyond.

The initiative has already seen impactful training sessions conducted at prestigious State Bhawans in Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim, alongside the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) at North Block. These sessions aim to elevate food safety standards and practices, ensuring the well-being of consumers nationwide. Excitingly, upcoming training sessions are slated for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur Bhawans, and all government office canteens, promising a comprehensive coverage of food safety training.

Aligned with the visionary goal of training 25 lakh food business operators within three years, as announced by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, this initiative heralds a significant leap towards a safer and healthier food ecosystem on the occasion of World Food Safety Day.

FoSTaC, FSSAI's flagship initiative, serves as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for food handlers, encompassing vital aspects such as food safety regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, and emerging industry trends. Participants who successfully complete the training will be awarded the esteemed Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate, recognized nationwide. Notably, in FY 2023-24, an impressive 3,58,224 food handlers have already benefited from the FoSTaC program.

The decision to extend FoSTaC training to canteens across all State/UT Bhawans and government offices underscores FSSAI's commitment to reaching a wider audience and nurturing a culture of continuous learning within the food supply chain. With enhanced knowledge and skills, individuals involved in food handling are poised to uphold stringent food safety standards, safeguarding the health and well-being of all consumers.