Port Blair, Feb 15: The Food Safety Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration in its relentless efforts to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food to the islanders and tourists, has started Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme at Port Blair.

In a simple function held today at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Industries, Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Commissioner Food Safety, Andaman and Nicobar Islands inaugurated FoSTaC programme by  lighting the traditional lamp in presence of the Joint Commissioner (Food Safety), Sub-Divisional Magistrate, South Andaman and Officials of Food Safety Department. In his inaugural address the Commissioner Food Safety highlighted the importance of such trainings to the Food Business Operators (FBOs).  The Commissioner Food Safety, told that FSSAI is making it mandatory that each and every food business premises should have at least one FoSTaC trained person to ensure safety of the food. 

In his address the Commissioner Food Safety, further informed that the FoSTaC programme shall continue for 10 days and shall provide training to 500 FBOs of the Islands.  The training programme is being conducted by M/s MS Certification Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata which is an empanelled training partner of FSSAI. The training is now being provided to hoteliers/restaurant operators, bake houses, sweet stalls, manufacturers and food processors.  The Commissioner Food Safety has requested all Food Business Operators to take the benefits of FoSTaC programme and follow good hygiene practices and good sanitary practices.