FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India established the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program to enhance the competence of food handlers throughout the nation. This certified training program through FoSTaC educates stakeholders on food safety regulations while fostering a robust food safety culture across the country. According to Section 16 (3)(h) of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, the FSSAI must provide educational programs on Food Safety and Standards for anyone working in or entering food-related operations, whether within or beyond their jurisdiction. To meet these requirements, the FSSAI launched the Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC) program, the largest of its kind, in July 2017. The program establishes a training framework aimed at developing various food safety supervisors who complete the prescribed training modules on good hygiene and manufacturing practices under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Licensing and Registration Regulations of 2011.
Objectives:
- The development of an extensive network of both certified food safety trainers and skilled food handlers throughout the entire nation forms an objective.
- The objective of the program is to make sure food businesses adopt proper hygiene together with safety protocols.
- The system aims to help businesses practice safe food handling independently while decreasing instances of unsafe food activities.
Key Features:
- Every licensed commercial food company needs at least one food safety supervisor who has received training and accreditation.
- Courses function across numerous business sectors starting from manufacturing to retail and transport among others.
- The training program is approved by FSSAI through authorized partners who deliver their curriculum with certified instructors.
- The course lets students finish their training in either traditional classroom settings or through digital education tools.
Types of Courses:
| Level | Target Audience | Duration |
| Basic | Street food vendors, petty FBOs | 4-5 hours |
| Advanced | Medium to large FBOs | 8-10 hours |
| Special | High-risk areas (e.g., dairy, meat) | Varies by sector |
Certification:
- Valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
- The process for renewal requires successful completion of retraining after periodic certification expires.
- FSSAI provides certificates after they evaluate students who complete the courses successfully.
Why Enroll in a FoSTaC Course?
- Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory for food businesses under FSSAI regulations (at least one trained supervisor per premise).
- The certification system leads to enhanced food security by implementing better hygiene and quality control together with handling practices.
- Staff certification boosts credibility so establishments gain higher levels of customer trust and excellent business reputation.
- The enrollment in FoSTaC courses minimizes both health-related risks and regulatory problems.
- Government institutions issue FSSAI certification which represents valid recognition for India-wide use.
Who needs it
All personnel handling food across sectors must obtain the FoSTaC certification for food safety training because it establishes necessary food safety and hygiene requirements. Here’s who typically needs it:
Food Business Operators (FBOs)
Operators of all food-based businesses need a FoSTaC certification regardless of their operations ranging from manufacturing to distribution or retail activities.
Restaurants and catering services together with food stalls and cloud kitchens and food delivery services and other types fall under this requirement.Designated Food Safety Supervisors
Each food business established under FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) requirements needs at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor for every 25 food handlers based on the business risk level.Employees of Food Businesses
The highest level of food safety attention applies to cooks, chefs and food handlers together with production line workers.Educational Institutions
All educational facilities operating canteens need to select staff members who possess FoSTaC certification.Hospitals and Hospitality Sector
Food safety supervisors who work in kitchens and food services of hospitals along with hotels and large banquet halls must have completed FoSTaC training.Street Food Vendors
The government currently supports street food vendors through multiple initiatives which sometimes mandate their training at FoSTaC to establish safer food handling procedures.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to obtain a FOSTAC license can result in legal consequences, including:
- A business operating without a FOSTAC license will face possible legal penalties which may involve both monetary fines along with temporary or permanent closure.
- Monetary fines
- Temporary or permanent closure of the business
- Loss of consumer trust
- Legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
For businesses to prevent these difficulties they must acquire and keep active their needed certificates.
FAQs on FOSTAC License
- A FOSTAC License Has What Essential Function?
• A FOSTAC license enables food businesses to achieve proper hygiene and safety standards by training their staff in food safety management.
• Every food business needs to possess a FOSTAC license for operation.
• According to FSSAI requirements, all food businesses need at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor for compliance.
• A valid FOSTAC certification carries a two-year duration.
• The FOSTAC certification retains its validity through two-year periods but needs renewal at its expiration date.
- Who Conducts the FOSTAC Training?
• The approved training partners of FSSAI perform the training sessions throughout different regions in India.
- Consequences for Not Obtaining a FOSTAC License
• A food business operating without obtaining a FOSTAC license faces specific consequences.
• Failure to comply leads to business penalties together with fines and possibly business closure.
- Can Private People Pursue FOSTAC Certification Beside Business Entities?
• Working people in the food sector can earn FOSTAC certification to improve their job opportunities.
- Is the FOSTAC Training Accessible Online?
• The FSSAI accepts several training partners who deliver FOSTAC education through online platforms.
- What Is the Total Expense for Acquiring FOSTAC Certification?
• The training expenses depend on the program level together with the chosen training institution.
- Does Every Food Business Employee Require FOSTAC Certification?
• Every workplace must have at least one FSS-certified supervisor, but each location requires only one FSS for every set of 25 employees handling food.
- Through Which Procedure Can FOSTAC Certification Renewals Be Obtained?
• Companies seeking FOSTAC certification renewal must enroll with FSSAI-approved providers who deliver refresher courses.