Latest news with #FoSTaC
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
FDA reaches out to more than 5k eateries over food safety in a year, but hygiene remains a concern
1 2 Pune: A string of recent food safety violations at popular eateries in the city has turned the spotlight onto lax sanitation practices, even as the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it has actively run awareness and training campaigns for the last four years, covering at least 5,000 establishments, besides campuses and places of worship. This week, two popular restaurants, Goodluck Café on FC Road and Bhiwandi Darbar in Camp, had their licences suspended after customers raised complaints — the former involving a piece of glass found in bun maska, the latter a cockroach in soup. Videos of both incidents circulated widely online, prompting swift FDA inspections and action. Footage also surfaced online of questionable hygiene at other establishments — a cookie kiosk in a Viman Nagar mall where staff were seen placing cookies dropped on the floor back into the display, and a Middle Eastern outlet in Hinjewadi where a feather was found in a biryani order. A customer at a heritage restaurant in Camp also reported finding a hair strand stuck on the lid of his cold drink. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "We are taking immediate action whenever we receive complaints. A surprise inspection is conducted, and if violations are found, licences are suspended until food safety norms are complied with," said Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner of FDA Pune. He added that FDA's efforts are not limited to policing violators. "We have run several initiatives in the last four years to help eateries maintain safety standards. From April 2024 till July 2025, Maharashtra FDA conducted Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) training at 5,507 establishments, issued smiley-based hygiene ratings for 305 eateries. We have also carried out 'Eat Right' workshops on 28 campuses and implemented bhog safety drives at 10 places of worship across Pune region," he said. And yet, customers are now a wary lot. Priya Deshmukh, a software engineer from Baner who loves to eat out, said, "Finding a feather or a cockroach in food is not just gross, it's dangerous. These aren't small mistakes that can be taken lightly. They show there's no real quality check. If we're paying for a meal, we deserve basic hygiene." College student Rohit Kulkarni, a café regular, said, "It's shocking how many places are cutting corners on food safety and quality. The fact that it took a trending video for action to happen says a lot. There should be regular inspections, not just reactions after something goes wrong." Saili Jahagirdar, Pune chapter head of the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), countered, "Nobody wants to serve bad food. The concept of 'khana khilana' is an integral part of our Indian culture. But especially during monsoon, pest control becomes even more important to avoid rodent or cockroach infestation on one's premises." She noted that rising consumer awareness is prodding the industry to self-correct, and said, "Today's customers are more vigilant than ever. It's pushing restaurants to be more accountable and constantly improve." Ganesh Shetty, president of the Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association (PRAHA), said maintaining hygiene is a restaurant's core responsibility, but also pointed to structural limitations. "Many eateries in Camp and FC Road operate from heritage buildings. Restaurant owners cannot make basic changes like fixing tiles or flooring unless the landlord agrees or there's a court order. It is a tedious process," he told TOI, adding that PRAHA will soon circulate a reminder to members about key protocols, including medical certification for staff every six months.
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
After complaints of unhygienic practices, food safety officials inspect Ukkadam fish market in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Following a complaint about unhygienic business practices, food safety department officials conducted a surprise inspection at Ukkadam wholesale and retail fish markets, on Tuesday. Fish traders have been advised not to use formalin-laced ice bars to store fish, as the consumption of fish adulterated with formalin can cause health issues. Also, we have advised them to sell fresh fish and avoid stale, said Dr T Anuradha, designated officer of the Food Safety Department, Coimbatore district. As part of sensitising the food safety standards among the food industry stakeholders, the department held a surprise check at the fish market in Ukkadam on Tuesday. The team, led by Anuradha, examined the conditions of the fish showcased for sale, the waste management process, drainage facilities, fish transportation methods and adulteration. There are 48 wholesalers and 23 retailers in the market, under the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department. The traders were asked about the source of fishes, the transportation method and whether they are using chemicals such formalin to keep the fish fresh. "We can identify fresh fish by its clear eyes, red gills and shiny, moist skin. The traders themselves should identify fresh fish by pressing them. If they press gently with a finger, the indentation quickly springs back if it is fresh. If the indentation remains or the flesh feels soft and mushy, it's a sign the fish may be stale. Also, they are instructed to use ice bars to preserve the fish, made with RO water and not use chemical-laced (formalin) ice bars," said Dr Anuradha. "Formalin is a common adulterant in fish. Traders and suppliers use it to extend the storage life of fresh or chilled fish and artificially improve the sensory attributes. Consumption of fish adulterated with formalin can cause serious health issues," she added. Following the inspection, the fish traders were offered Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC) training inside the market.
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
FSSAI reinforces stringent food safety norms for e-commerce platforms across India
New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reinforced stringent food safety norms for e-commerce platforms, emphasizing the importance of compliance with food safety protocols. G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FSSAI warned representatives of leading e-Commerce platforms in a meeting on Tuesday to regulate the dynamic landscape of food delivery and uphold the highest standards of food safety for Indian consumers. He said that any non-compliance with food safety protocols will be viewed with utmost seriousness, potentially leading to severe action. 70 representatives from leading e-commerce platforms participated in the meeting held at FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi. The CEO underscored the critical importance of food safety in the rapidly expanding e-commerce marketplace. The focus of the meeting was to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices throughout the entire e-commerce food supply chain. During the deliberations, the FSSAI CEO issued several crucial directives to the e-commerce platforms. He directed all e-commerce entities to prominently display their FSSAI License/Registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers. They were also asked to display information regarding the Food Safety Connect App on all consumer-facing documents. A key emphasis was also placed on the necessity for e-commerce entities to disclose comprehensive details of all warehouses and storage facilities linked to their operations on the FoSCoS portal. The possibility of displaying the 'Date of Expiry/Use By' for food products at the consumer interface was also discussed. The CEO of FSSAI instructed all e-commerce platforms to maintain strict adherence to hygiene and food safety protocols across all their warehouses and storage facilities, ensuring that photographs of these facilities are regularly uploaded to the FoSCoS portal. It was further mandated that all food handlers involved in the process, including e-commerce personnel, must undergo compulsory FSSAI FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training in hygiene protocols. Platforms are required to share their training plans and timelines with FSSAI. Platforms are expected to meticulously follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules stipulated under the FSS Act. The necessity for all warehouses associated with e-commerce operations to be duly registered or licensed by FSSAI was strongly reiterated. Additionally, e-commerce platforms were directed to share data pertaining to their warehouses, food handlers, and other relevant information with the FSSAI, thereby ensuring enhanced transparency and compliance. The FSSAI emphasised that food safety is a collective responsibility, and every entity involved in the supply chain, from manufacturing to home delivery, is liable for compliance. A collaborative approach is essential to ensure the entire process is extremely safe for consumers. The FSSAI remains steadfast in its commitment to guaranteeing that consumers receive safe and healthy food products, irrespective of whether their purchases are made through traditional retail channels or modern e-commerce platforms. This significant meeting marks FSSAI's proactive and decisive approach to regulating the dynamic landscape of food delivery, ensuring that all e-commerce players uphold the highest standards of food safety for the well-being and trust of Indian consumers. (ANI)
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
FSSAI warns ecommerce players of severe action in case of non-compliance with food safety protocol
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Food regulator FSSAI on Tuesday warned ecommerce platforms of severe action if they fail to comply with food safety protocols The warning was given at a meeting chaired by the FSSAI CEO with more than 70 representatives of leading ecommerce platforms. The focus of the meeting was to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices throughout the e-commerce food supply to a statement, FSSAI's CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao told representatives of leading ecommerce platforms that "any non-compliance with food safety protocols will be viewed with utmost seriousness, potentially leading to severe action".He underscored the importance of food safety in the rapidly expanding e-commerce directed "all ecommerce entities to prominently display their FSSAI License/Registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers".The regulator asked to display information regarding the Food Safety Connect App on all consumer-facing entities were told to disclose details of all warehouses and storage facilities linked to their operations on the FoSCoS possibility of displaying the "Date of Expiry/Use By" for food products at the consumer interface was also instructed all ecommerce platforms to maintain strict adherence to hygiene and food safety protocols across all their warehouses and storage food handlers involved in the process, including e-commerce personnel, must undergo compulsory FSSAI FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training in hygiene protocols. Platforms are required to share their training plans and timelines with regulator asked platforms to follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules stipulated under the FSS Act. All warehouses associated with ecommerce operations should be registered or licensed by the platforms were directed to share data pertaining to their warehouses, food handlers, and other relevant information with the FSSAI.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
60 street vendors get food safety certification
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: Sixty street food vendors in Dibrugarh received official certification on Friday following a comprehensive Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme. The training sessions, held at the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) conference hall, were organised in two batches of 30 participants each. The programme focused on critical areas, including safe food handling practices, personal hygiene protocols, and basic sanitation measures designed to elevate food safety standards in the informal food sector. The evnt was organised in partnership with Nestle India Limited and the National Association of Street Vendors of India (Nasvi). The FoSTaC programme, spearheaded by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), aims to build comprehensive awareness and capacity among food handlers across various sectors. The Dibrugarh initiative represents a significant step toward improving street food quality, while simultaneously boosting consumer confidence in local food offerings. "Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem, where street food vendors can thrive while maintaining the highest standards of food safety. This programme not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also provides vendors with entrepreneurial skills that can help them expand their businesses," an official of the food safety department said.
