In a first for Jammu & Kashmir, street food vendors from Jammu and adjoining districts were today trained and certified at a one-day Street Food Vendor Training Programme.
The programme was organised at PSPS Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar by the Northern Regional Office of FSSAI in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, J&K under FoSTaC and Eat Right India campaign.
It was announced that eight such sessions will be held in every district of the Union Territory.
Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma- the Chief Guest- presented FoSTaC training certificates to the participants. He also administered an oath to them to uphold and implement safe food practices. He said vendors carrying the certificate will enjoy an edge over their peers in the marketplace, as it testifies to the quality and safety of their food. The initiative, he added, reflects the government's vision of dignified workplace practices, clean and healthy food and stronger public health outcomes. He announced that more such programmes would follow across J&K.
Announcing the district-wise roll-out, Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Jammu & Kashmir Sanjeev Kumar reiterated the department's commitment to public health and the upskilling of street food vendors. He outlined plans for wider public awareness, including social media outreach.
Joint Director, FSSAI, Ankeshwar Mishra said street food is a vital part of any region's identity and for Jammu's street food to earn wider recognition, its vendors must be equipped with the best training and practices alongside certification. Held as per the directions of the Government of India, the session covered personal and stall hygiene, waste disposal, procurement and storage of raw material and safe handling and storage of cooked food. He also informed vendors that FSSAI provides a free-of-cost registration facility to them.
Participating vendors shared their experiences and assured compliance.
Manager FSSAI–Northern Regional Office Nimanshi and President, Chamber of Commerce and Industries Jammu Arun Gupta were among the dignitaries present.