Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates National Training Centre for FSSAI

"As we aim to become a developed nation in our Amrit Kaal, our citizens must be healthy. Swasth Nagrik creates a Swastha Rashtra, which leads to a Samruddha Rashtra," stated by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, at the inauguration of the state-of-the-art National Training Centre for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State (HFW) and General (Dr.) V.K. Singh, Minister of State (Civil Aviation, MoRTH) were also present at the event.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on wellness and preventive healthcare, the Union Minister said, “India's traditional food habits and way of life should be adopted as 'our kitchen is our hospital'. Good quality nutritious food can go a long way in keeping diseases at bay.” Dr Mandaviya spoke about India's rich heritage of health and wellness, whether in preventive healthcare, millet consumption, or Yoga.

Highlighting the value of wellness and lifestyle as important components in health, he said, "The people who will train at the National Training Centre of FSSAI will play a significant role in creating healthy citizens in the country, as they will ensure quality standards for food are followed in the country."

Talking about the challenge posed by food adulteration in the country, Dr Mandaviya said, “FSSAI had formed a team with State Authorities to crack down on those who indulge in such malpractices. There will be no tolerance to food adulteration in the country.” He stated that large-scale testing would be carried out nationwide and action would be taken as per Food Safety and Standards (Act 2006) against those found guilty.

Terming the training center as "Lok Swasth Arpan Bhawan", Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel said that FSSAI had a great responsibility of setting food standards in the country, which touches everyone's life. He added that it is also our responsibility to ensure that our food follows these standards.

The National Training Centre of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is an important initiative aimed at providing structured instruction, practice, and learning experiences to bridge the gap between existing knowledge or skills and desired knowledge or skills in the field of food safety and standards. As mandated by the FSS Act 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Rules 2011, FSSAI is responsible for training individuals involved in food businesses, including food business operators, employees, Food Safety Officers, and designated officers. Recognizing the importance of continuous skill upgrading for officials, food business operators, and other stakeholders, FSSAI has established the National Training Centre to offer various training programs. This dedicated center fills the void that previously existed, ensuring the development of a future-ready workforce committed to ensuring safe and wholesome food for the citizens of India.

On this occasion, an eLearning app- Food Safety and Certification (FoSTaC) developed by FSSAI that contains learning and training modules about food safety guidelines, such as proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices etc., for street vendors was also launched.

Dr. Mandaviya also released two books developed by FSSAI - Millets (Shree Anna) Recipes- A Healthy Menu for Mess/Canteens and Healthy Gut, Healthy You - Traditional recipes with potential probiotic benefits.

S Gopalakrishnan, Special Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, chief executive officer, FSSAI and other senior officials of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India also attended the event.