Eastern Railway promoting safe, healthy food at stations with FSSAI training

In an important step towards promoting safe and healthy food at railway stations, Eastern Railway (ER) recently conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) session. Held on December 29, 2023, the initiative aims to enhance food safety standards across ER’s vast network of stations, canteens and other establishments. The workshop is part of the nationwide “Eat Right Campus and Station” campaign led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The training session, held at the Office of the Joint Food Safety Commissioner in Kolkata, was attended by senior officials of Eastern Railway and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Those present included Dr. Anupam Set, Additional Chief Medical Director, ER, Dr. Sanghamitra Chatterjee, Additional Chief Medical Superintendent, ER, and Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, IRCTC Eastern Zone. The session was led by Professor Deborshi De, a leading food safety expert, in collaboration with FSSAI’s training partner, Testing.

Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), ER, highlighted that this training program was designed to support the implementation of FSSAI’s high standards for food safety. It aims to equip the Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Food Handlers of General Manager Staff Canteen, BR Singh Hospital and major stations like Kolkata, Baharampur Court and Murshidabad with necessary skills and certification in food safety.

Important topics to ensure food safety and quality were discussed in the workshop. Participants learned about food safety regulations, hygiene practices, waste management and the importance of promoting healthy and sustainable food. This is in line with FSSAI’s broader objectives of creating awareness about nutritious, safe and environment-friendly food practices. The “Eat Right Campus” and “Eat Right Station” initiatives, which target campuses, hospitals, workplaces and stations, aim to promote healthy eating habits among consumers while supporting India’s social and economic development.

As one of the busiest and oldest railway zones of India, ER is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its passengers through various programs and initiatives. With this training, ER strengthens its efforts to provide safe, nutritious and sustainable food across its wider network.

FSSAI, a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is responsible for regulating food safety in India. Through initiatives like “Eat Right Campus” and “Eat Right Station”, FSSAI is playing a vital role in promoting food safety and healthy eating habits across the country.