ER Conducts Training to Ensure Safer, Healthier Food at Railway Stations

Kolkata: Eastern Railway (ER) organized a Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) session on Saturday to ensure safer and healthier food at its stations and other establishments. This initiative is part of the nationwide 'Eat Right Campus and Station' program led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

As per IANS, the training session was conducted at the office of the Joint Food Safety Commissioner in the Old Koilaghat Building, Kolkata. The session aimed at promoting safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices within ER’s jurisdiction.

Senior officials from Eastern Railway and IRCTC participated in the event, including Dr. Anupam Sett, Additional Chief Medical Director; Dr. Sanghamitra Chatterjee, Additional Chief Medical Superintendent, ER; and Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, IRCTC, Eastern Zone. The training was led by Prof. Deborshi De, a food safety expert and representative of Parikshan, FSSAI’s training partner.

Inputs from IANS indicate that the session targeted Food Business Operators (FBOs) and food handlers from various key ER establishments, including the General Manager's Staff Canteen, B.R. Singh Hospital, and stations like Kolkata, Baharampore Court, and Murshidabad. The training focused on equipping participants with essential knowledge and certifications in food safety practices.

The full-day workshop covered a wide range of topics such as food safety regulations, hygiene practices, waste management, and the promotion of healthy and sustainable food. “The program empowers food handlers to meet FSSAI’s high standards of food safety and aligns with the vision of an 'Eat Right' nation,” said Kausik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer, ER.

According to IANS, the ‘Eat Right Campus’ and ‘Eat Right Station’ initiatives, launched by FSSAI, aim to improve public health by encouraging safe, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable food choices. These initiatives target food handlers, business operators, and consumers across various sectors, including railway stations, workplaces, and hospitals.

Inputs from IANS highlight that FSSAI, a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is responsible for regulating and overseeing food safety standards in India. Through programs like 'Eat Right Campus' and 'Eat Right Station,' it seeks to create awareness about healthy food choices while promoting responsible food consumption.

Eastern Railway, one of India’s oldest and busiest railway zones, operates an extensive network of stations, hospitals, and other establishments. ER’s proactive participation in food safety initiatives reflects its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its passengers and staff.

With the implementation of these measures, ER is setting a benchmark for food safety and sustainable practices in the railway sector, contributing to the nation’s broader goals of health and social development.