Punjab Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act-2006, has decided to train the Food Business Operators (FBOs) from July 5 onwards for proper awareness regarding issues like food safety, quality standards, personal hygiene, and cleanliness. The street vendors will also be given training under the same programme
“At least one representative from these firms will be trained so that these operators are fully aware of the Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI) and the rules and regulations enacted under it in order to ensure the cleanliness of places and sale of quality food items,” said the state Food and Drugs Administration commissioner Neelima.
She said that a meeting was held on Monday with 19 training partners empanelled by FSSAI for training the food business operators.
“As per the requirement of the FSSAI, these training partners shall provide necessary training to FBO for which they shall charge a nominal fee of Rs 450 plus GST per food business operator and Rs 250 plus GST per street food vendor; and these FBOs shall be provided an apron and a hat, and a certificate will be issued on successful completion of the training,” she said.
Accordingly, the Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been directed to hold meetings with various associations of FBOs for the purpose of sensitization and dissemination of information to ensure their maximum participation as the same is mandated under Section 16 (3) (h) of the Food Safety Act.
FDA Commissioner added that Deputy Commissioners have been asked to provide guidance to the Department for the success of this campaign at the district level, and to monitor this training along with the Sub-Divisional Magistrates so that the campaign becomes a complete success.
Punjab’s food safety Joint Commissioner Manoj Khosla informed that these training programs would be monitored periodically, and the progress report would be reviewed every three months by the head office to ensure clean, safe, and hygiene food items