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A comprehensive program called Food Safety Training and Certification (FosTac) aims to teach and certify professionals in the food business in critical safety procedures. FosTac training came due to the rising worries on food safety and cleanliness, and it’s now a key part of the food business's promise to maintain food hygiene . It is a step-by-step training program which guarantees to provide the staff of all possible levels of sufficient knowledge and skills necessary for correct handling of food by offering a vast amount of knowledge of topics starting from the most basic aspects of hygiene to the complex strategies of food safety management.
How It Is Conducted?
Food Businesses throughout the food value chain may access a comprehensive training and certification ecosystem called Food Safety Training & Certification, or FoSTaC. Food Safety Supervisors (FSS) are those who have completed the FoSTaC training and certification process. To build a trained environment, these Food Safety Supervisors teach additional food handlers at their property.
The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006's Section 16(3)h mandate has been fulfilled by FSSAI with the creation of FoSTaC. Under FoSTaC, curriculum and content for sixteen courses covering various food business types at three competency levels—Basic, Advanced, and Special—have been developed centrally by subject matter experts. Large food businesses, academic and vocational institutions, training agencies recognised by mission and skill development councils, industry, scientific and technology associations, and civil society organisations are some of the training partners that will provide the training.
Objective Of The Training
For every 25 food handlers or a portion of that number, all food establishments holding state or central licences are required to have a minimum of one qualified and trained food safety supervisor staff. It is suggested that this criterion be made mandatory gradually in accordance with the suggested schedule. It aims to provide managers, quality inspectors, and food workers with the knowledge and abilities needed to apply the best practices in food safety. For firms in the food fi͏eld, spending on this planned way is key because it not only helps follow food safety rules but also makes the whole food supply chain better.
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Training And Its 3 Levels
16 types of Proficiency based certification programmes are provided under FoSTaC. Each course lasts eight to twelve hours, spread out over one or two days. Courses have been created by subject experts and visited by an expert committee of FSSAI. Training guides are based on general hygiene or manufacturing practices as described under schedule 4 of FSS Regulation courses have been separated into following 3 levels:-
Level 1 (Basic)
Basic level certificates are suitable for food business. Duration of each course is approximately 4 hours. Courses are: - Street Food Vending, Catering, Manufacturing / Processing,Storage & Transport, and Retail & Distribution.
Level 2 (Advance)
Advanced training and certification are intended for food businesses with State and Central licences. Every course has an 8-hour duration. Instruction covers the following topics: Catering; Manufacturing / Processing; Storage & Transport; and Retail & Distribution.
Level 3 (Special)
For food businesses that are at high risk of contamination or that need more care, special courses have been designed. The particular course lasts for eight to twelve hours. Disperse throughout one or two days. The courses are: Milk and dairy products, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, packaged water, bakery, edible fat and oil, nutraceuticals & health supplements
Importance In Food Industry
- Ensuring food safety along the entire food supply chain requires FosTac training. It gives people the facts and skills needed to reduce food borne illness and maintain food cleanliness rules.
- Food businesses can better adhere to food safety regulations and standards, including the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, by implementing FosTac training.
- People may successfully identify and manage possible food safety issues by knowing HACCP and food safety principles.
- By making sure the food that folks eat is safe, FosTac training helps keep them safe from sicknesses caused by food.
- By using food safe steps, food firms can boost their trust and name, which will help buyer faith and belief.
Food enterprises may establish a food safety culture that not only complies with regulations but also improves their brand, safeguards customers, and adds to the overall success of the company by giving priority to FosTac Training.
