Most of us may be unaware that it is mandatory for all food business operators to have trained food handlers. These are the people who work as street food vendors and in retail, distribution, storage, transport, catering, and manufacturing of food items. The Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa has notified that for every 25 food handlers or less, the business operators need to have at least 1 trained and certified Food Safety Supervisor. The FDA trains them in Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) course to ensure food safety and hygiene in the operating premises. The handlers will be trained in bakery, oil, seafood, packaged drinking water, meat, poultry, milk and milk products. Perhaps vegetables, fruits, pulses etc. could also be included in the course work, as these are commonly used in vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants. The FoSTaC is an excellent initiative by the FDA since adulteration and unhygienic conditions may be occurring in food manufacturing and preparation industries.
