Mumbai Hosts FSSAI FoSTaC Training Programme to Strengthen Food Safety in Hospitality Industry

Mumbai: In a significant move to enhance food safety standards in the hospitality sector, the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India), HRAWI, recently organized the latest Food Safety Supervisor Training in Advance Catering (FoSTaC) in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The programme was held on 17th December 2025 at The Byke Business – Delotel in Borivali, drawing participation from 24 hospitality professionals eager to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

The training session, led by Dr. Pasupathy V., provided attendees with practical guidance on crucial aspects of food handling, hygiene, sanitation, and waste management. Participants received hands-on insights into implementing robust food safety protocols within their establishments, ensuring compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

FoSTaC, an initiative under the FSSAI framework, aims to create a certified workforce of Food Safety Supervisors (FSS) across the country. These trained professionals are expected to uphold hygiene and sanitation standards, thereby promoting a culture of accountability and compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011. The programme is particularly focused on enabling food business operators (FBOs) to understand and adhere to food safety laws while fostering behavioural change within the sector.

The core objectives of the FoSTaC programme include: enhancing the availability of skilled manpower in the food industry, promoting self-compliance with FSSAI regulations, and instilling a long-term culture of food safety. By equipping participants with practical skills and regulatory knowledge, the initiative ensures that food establishments maintain high-quality standards while safeguarding public health.

HRAWI has been at the forefront of implementing food safety training programmes in Mumbai and western India. To date, the association has successfully trained and certified 3,695 hospitality professionals through its FoSTaC and FSSAI Management Training Programmes. These efforts underscore the association’s commitment to fostering excellence and professionalism in the food and hospitality sector.

Dr. Pasupathy V., during the training, highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to evolving food safety standards. “Food safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a responsibility that every hospitality professional must embrace,” he noted. The programme emphasized preventive measures, proper sanitation, and systematic monitoring, equipping supervisors to lead their teams effectively and mitigate potential risks.

The FoSTaC programme also integrates modern practices such as proper storage, temperature control, waste segregation, and personal hygiene protocols. Such comprehensive training ensures that supervisors can implement standards consistently, resulting in safer and more hygienic food preparation environments.

HRAWI’s initiative reflects a growing focus on professional development in the hospitality industry, ensuring that establishments can meet customer expectations while complying with legal and safety norms. With the increasing scale of food services in Mumbai and across India, these training programmes play a pivotal role in raising the bar for food quality, safety, and customer confidence.

The collaboration between FSSAI and HRAWI demonstrates how industry associations and regulatory bodies can work together to strengthen food safety practices nationwide. As the programme continues to expand, more hospitality professionals are expected to gain certifications, ultimately benefiting consumers and boosting the credibility of food service establishments.