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  7. FoSTaC FSSAI : An Introduction

An Introduction: FoSTaC FSSAI

Updated on: 01 Jan, 1970 05:30 AM

FSSAI protects public health and well-being, while also strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the food industry. However, challenges in this domain are constantly shifting due to factors like globalization, urbanization, climate shifts, and new pathogens. This necessitates ongoing improvement and innovation in food safety practices and regulations.

To meet this crucial need, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program, a comprehensive training and certification network for food businesses across the entire food value chain. FoSTaC aspires to develop a pool of highly trained and certified food safety supervisors (FSS) who can uphold dedication to food safety regulations and good hygiene and manufacturing practices within their respective food businesses.

Contents

What are the objectives of the FoSTaC?

The main objectives of FoSTaC:

  • Encouraging positive behaviors and implanting food safety as a shared value across the nation.
  • Instructing responsible food businesses towards voluntary adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act and regulations.
  • Bridging the skill gap in the food industry by training and certifying competent individuals.
  • Equipping food businesses with the knowledge and tools to achieve and maintain top-notch hygiene and sanitation standards.

FoSTaC Course Eligibility Requirements for Trainees

There are three levels of FoSTaC courses: basic, advanced, and special. The eligibility criteria for trainees to apply for these courses are as follows:

  • Basic Level: These courses are ideal for small businesses and final-year undergraduate students in nutrition, hospitality, food science, or related fields. Six months of relevant experience (depending on the course) helps you hit the ground running.
  • Advanced Level: Advanced courses are mandatory for all food businesses except small ones and perfect for postgraduate students in food science, nutrition, hospitality, or allied fields. A minimum of one year of relevant experience (depending on the course) unlocks new doors in food safety knowledge.
  • Special Level: These courses cater to areas like milk, meat, seafood, health supplements, etc. Bring at least two years of relevant experience (depending on the course) and get specialized training to excel in your chosen field.

Courses Under FoSTaC

FoSTaC equips food businesses of all sizes and specializations with 17 targeted courses. Spanning across three competency levels - Basic, Advanced, and Special - these courses pack a punch of knowledge in a concise 8-12 hours, delivered over 1-2 days.

Expertly crafted by domain specialists, the modules delve into either specific manufacturing practices or general hygiene principles outlined in Schedule 4 of the FSS regulation. This ensures your training directly applies to your food business operations.

FoSTaC prioritizes hands-on learning. Training for food safety supervisors is conducted through engaging face-to-face sessions. FSSAI further supports your journey by providing comprehensive training content in English and various regional languages.

Sl. No. FoSTaC Course Duration Optional/Mandatory Applicable Food Business
1 Level 1 (Manufacturing) 4 hours Recommended All small manufacturing units
2 Level 2 (Manufacturing) 8 hours Mandatory All food processing units (except milk, health supplements, & small slaughterhouses)
3 Milk & Milk Products 12 hours Mandatory All milk products & milk processing units
4 Meats & Poultry 12 hours Mandatory All poultry & meat processing units (except small slaughterhouses)
5 Seafood & Fish 8 hours Mandatory All seafood & fish processing units
6 Health Supplements 8 hours Mandatory All health nutraceuticals & supplements processing units
7 Level 1 (Bakeries) 4 hours Recommended Small scale bakery processing units
8 Level 2 (Bakeries) 8 hours Optional All bakery processing units
9 Edible Oil & Fats 8 hours Optional All fats & vegetable oils processing units
10 Water & Water-Based Beverages 8 hours Optional All water & water-based beverages processing units
11 Level 1 (Retail) 8 hours Recommended All types of small retail shops
12 Level 2 (Retail) 8 hours Mandatory All wholesalers & retailers
13 Level 1 (Transport & Storage) 8 hours Recommended All types of small transport & storage units
14 Level 2 (Transport & Storage) 8 hours Mandatory All food transport & storage units
15 Level 1 (Catering) 8 hours Recommended All types of small catering units
16 Level 2 (Catering) 8 hours Mandatory All catering establishments (hotels, restaurants, caterers, Dhabas, flight catering, etc.)
17 Street Food Vendors 4 hours Recommended All street food vendors

FoSTaC Application Process

The procedure for trainees to apply for the FoSTaC course, aiming for training and certification as food safety supervisors:

  • Visit the official FoSTaC website https://fostac.fssai.gov.in/index.
  • Scroll further down and select the 'Register' button located under the section titled 'Get Food Safety Supervisor’s Certificate' on the homepage.
  • Complete the trainee application form by providing personal information, address particulars, and business details, then press the 'Submit' button.
  • The screen will show the FoSTaC unique username ID and password.
  • Login with the username and password and select the course category, level, and language as per your preference.
  • Choose the training partner and the training session from the available list and enroll yourself for the training.
  • Attend the training session and complete the online assessment at the end of the session.
  • If you score more than 80% in the assessment, you will receive the FoSTaC certificate as a food safety supervisor.

What are the benefits of the FoSTaC?

FoSTaC is a program that aims to train and certify food safety supervisors across the food value chain in India. Some of the benefits of FoSTaC are:

  • FoSTaC equips you with the fundamental principles of food hygiene and safety, empowering you to make informed decisions.
  • Stay a step ahead of regulations. FoSTaC training ensures smooth compliance with FSSAI requirements, minimizing legal complexities.
  • Become a training multiplier. Gain the skills to train others within your organization, consistently upholding impeccable food hygiene and safety standards.
  • By minimizing foodborne illnesses and infections, FoSTaC training has a ripple effect, safeguarding public health and preventing the long-term consequences of such incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- How often do I need to renew my FoSTaC certification?

The FoSTaC certification is valid for a certain period, typically a few years. After this period, you might need to undergo a refresher course or recertification. The exact duration and renewal process can be confirmed on the official FoSTaC website or by contacting FSSAI directly.

Q- What languages are the FoSTaC training materials available in?

FoSTaC provides comprehensive training content in English and various regional languages to cater to a diverse audience across India.

Q- Can I attend multiple FoSTaC courses?

Yes, depending on your role and the nature of your food business, you can attend multiple FoSTaC courses to enhance your knowledge and skills in various areas of food safety.

Q- What is the passing criteria for FoSTaC assessments?

To successfully complete a FoSTaC course, you generally need to score more than 80% in the online assessment at the end of the training session.

CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.