FSSAI, Amritsar MC organise training for street food vendors

To strengthen food safety and hygiene practices among street food vendors, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with Municipal Corporation officials, conducted a joint awareness and training programme for vendors in the city. The initiative also included detailed sensitisation on the Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Yojana, aimed at improving vendors’ access to financial assistance and formal credit systems.

Municipal Corporation secretary Sushant Bhatia said that under the directions of MC Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill, the civic body has been actively working to spread awareness among street vendors about hygiene standards and various welfare schemes. He added that vendors were encouraged to ask questions during the session and their queries were addressed comprehensively to ensure clarity and confidence.

As part of the programme, beneficiaries of the SVANidhi scheme received hands-on practical training from FSSAI-certified trainers. The training focused on equipping vendors with essential knowledge to maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation and public health in their day-to-day operations.

Officials emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness at vending sites and advised vendors to keep their stalls and surrounding areas clean at all times. They were also instructed to take preventive measures against pests and insects through regular spraying of approved disinfectants.

Vendors were further guided to use only potable (clean drinking) water for food preparation and to ensure proper cooking temperatures. They were advised to keep hot food above 60°C and cold food below 5°C to prevent contamination. Additionally, strict instructions were given to store and handle vegetarian and non-vegetarian food separately, using different utensils to avoid cross-contamination.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the authorities to ensure safer street food for the public while empowering vendors with the knowledge and resources needed to improve their livelihoods.