SAS Nagar, 4th July 2022
In accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, the government has decided to train food business operators from 5th July onwards for proper awareness regarding issues like food safety, quality standards, personal hygiene, and cleanliness. Giving information in this regard, Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration Punjab Ms. Neelima stated that 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.
She said that a meeting was held here today with 19 training partners empanelled by FSSAI for training the food business operators. As per the requirement of the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) these training partners shall provide necessary training to food business operators for which they shall charge a nominal fee of Rs. Rs. 450+ GST per food business operator and Rs. 250+ GST per street food vendor and these food business operators shall be provided an apron and a hat, and a certificate will be issued on successful completion of the training. Accordingly, the Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been directed to hold meetings with various associations of food business operators 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.
Commissioner FDA further told 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.
Mr. Manoj Khosla, Joint Commissioner, Food Safety, Punjab, 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.