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The technical sessions covered key aspects such as food safety principles, personal hygiene, hygienic food handling, safe water usage, waste management
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently organised a large-scale Street Food Vendors Training Programme in the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency under its flagship Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative. Around 550 street food vendors from different parts of East Delhi participated enthusiastically in the programme.
The programme was graced by Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he warmly welcomed the street food vendors and acknowledged their significant contribution to the local economy and public health.
Appreciating FSSAI’s sustained efforts towards strengthening food safety in the unorganised sector, the Minister stated, “I sincerely appreciate the efforts of FSSAI for not only safeguarding the health of consumers but also empowering the street food vendor community through structured FoSTaC training programmes.” Further, he advised the food vendors, “I urge all street food vendors to diligently implement the learnings from today’s session in their daily operations and to consistently uphold the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in the interest of consumer well-being.” Emphasising the relevance of the training, he mentioned that the initiative is both timely and essential for the upliftment of street food vendors.
He further commended FSSAI for paying focused attention to the unorganised sector and strengthening their capacities through structured training and awareness initiatives. Highlighting the broader ecosystem of government support available to street vendors, he referred to initiatives such as digital payments through UPI, PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, which are enabling street food vendors to strengthen and expand their businesses.
Manvesh Kumar, Director, FSSAI, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and participants and emphasised that “Food safety is a shared responsibility,” urging vendors to actively contribute towards strengthening the food safety ecosystem at the grassroots level.
The technical sessions covered key aspects such as food safety principles, personal hygiene, hygienic food handling, safe water usage, waste management, and maintaining a clean and sanitary vending environment. Through interactive demonstrations and practical guidance, participants gained practical insights to enhance compliance with food safety standards.
Distinguished dignitaries including Shri Raju Sachdeva, Deputy Commissioner, Shahdara South Zone; Counsellors of East Delhi and officials of FSSAI were present on the occasion.
The programme forms part of FSSAI’s ongoing nationwide efforts to promote safe, clean, and wholesome food while supporting the growth and formalisation of the street food sector. The active participation of around 550 vendors made the programme highly impactful and reinforced the collective commitment towards ensuring safe food for all.