The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently made a strategic decision to extend its Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme to canteens within State/UT Bhawans and government offices. This move is expected to have significant and far-reaching effects on food safety standards and public health across the country.
Current Status of Training
The training sessions have already commenced at four State Bhawans, including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim. These sessions, in addition to those held at the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), North Block, aim to equip food handlers with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Objectives of the FoSTaC Programme
The primary objective of the FoSTaC programme is to train food handlers engaged in the food business. The training covers various aspects, including food safety regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, food operation and control, documentation, labeling, training methodologies, and emerging trends in the food industry.
Impact of FSSAI On Public Health and Food Safety
This initiative aligns with FSSAI’s commitment to train 25 lakh food business operators over the next three years, as announced by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. By extending FoSTaC training to State/UT Bhawans and government canteens, FSSAI aims to create a safer and healthier food environment for all citizens.
Overview of the FoSTaC Programme
The FoSTaC programme is a flagship initiative of FSSAI designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the food sector. The programme aims to empower individuals across the food supply chain with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Empowerment of Food Handlers
Participants who complete the training are conferred with the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate, which is recognized across India. This certification empowers food handlers to contribute effectively to maintaining food safety standards within their respective establishments.
Training Certification and Recognition
In the fiscal year 2023-24, a total of 3,58,224 food handlers have undergone training under the FoSTaC programme nationwide. This indicates a growing awareness and commitment to food safety standards among food handlers across the country.
Future Plans and Expansion
FSSAI plans to extend the training sessions to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Manipur Bhawans shortly. The initiative also extends to encompass canteens within government offices, ensuring that a broader audience of food handlers is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure food safety.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, FSSAI’s decision to extend FoSTaC training to canteens within State/UT Bhawans and government offices is a commendable step towards enhancing food safety standards in India. By empowering food handlers with the necessary knowledge and skills, FSSAI is paving the way for a safer and healthier food environment for all citizens.
FAQs
- What is the FoSTaC programme?
- The FoSTaC programme is the Food Safety Training and Certification initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It aims to train food handlers engaged in the food business on various aspects of food safety standards.
- How does FoSTaC training benefit food handlers?
- FoSTaC training equips food handlers with essential knowledge and skills related to food safety regulations, personal hygiene, allergen management, food operation and control, documentation, labeling, training methodologies, and emerging trends in the food industry. This empowers them to ensure compliance with food safety standards and contribute to a safer food environment.
- What is the significance of extending FoSTaC training to canteens within State/UT Bhawans and government offices?
- Extending FoSTaC training to canteens within State/UT Bhawans and government offices is significant as it ensures that food handlers in these establishments are trained and equipped to maintain food safety standards. This contributes to a safer and healthier food environment for employees and visitors.
- How many food handlers have undergone training under the FoSTaC programme in the fiscal year 2023-24?
- In the fiscal year 2023-24, a total of 3,58,224 food handlers have undergone training under the FoSTaC programme nationwide. This indicates a growing awareness and commitment to food safety standards among food handlers across the country.
- What are FSSAI’s future plans for the FoSTaC programme?
- FSSAI plans to extend the FoSTaC training sessions to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Manipur Bhawans shortly. The initiative also extends to encompass canteens within government offices, ensuring that a broader audience of food handlers is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure food safety.
