Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) is a flagship initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) aimed at raising food safety standards across India. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FoSTaC provides comprehensive training to food business operators and their staff on food safety, hygiene practices, and regulatory compliance.
FoSTaC training helps businesses comply with FSSAI regulations, prevent foodborne illnesses, and build a stronger food safety culture across the entire food value chain—from manufacturing and storage to retail, distribution, and catering.1
Under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, all food businesses having Central Licenses or State Licenses must have at least one trained and certified Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) for every 25 food handlers or part thereof at each premises.2
This means: - If you have 1-25 food handlers: 1 certified FSS required - If you have 26-50 food handlers: 2 certified FSS required - If you have 51-75 food handlers: 3 certified FSS required - And so on for larger operations
Food businesses that fail to comply with FoSTaC requirements face: - Heavy monetary penalties during FSSAI inspections - Potential license suspension - Legal action under food safety regulations - Reputational damage and loss of consumer trust
FoSTaC training is essential for individuals and businesses involved in food handling and service across various sectors:
Individuals working in any food handling capacity can also pursue FoSTaC certification to: - Enhance their professional skills and employability - Meet job requirements in the food industry - Build a career in food safety and quality management
FSSAI has developed a comprehensive curriculum covering the entire food value chain. The FoSTaC program offers courses at three competency levels:3
Target Audience: Food handlers and small food business operators
Course Focus: - Fundamental food safety and hygiene practices - Personal hygiene for food handlers - Basic food storage and handling procedures - Understanding FSSAI regulations
Suitable For: - Entry-level food handlers - Small restaurant staff - Street food vendors - Retail food outlet employees
Target Audience: Managers and supervisors of medium and large food business operators
Course Focus: - Advanced food safety management systems - HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) - Supervisory responsibilities and compliance management - Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Suitable For: - Food safety supervisors - Kitchen managers - Quality control personnel - Production supervisors in food manufacturing
Target Audience: Personnel in high-risk food sectors requiring specialized knowledge
Course Focus: Sector-specific training for: - Milk and Milk Products: Dairy processing, pasteurization, cold chain management - Meat and Poultry Processing: Slaughter hygiene, meat handling, temperature control - Bakery Products: Baking hygiene, ingredient handling, shelf-life management - Fish and Fisheries Products: Seafood handling, preservation, quality assessment - Edible Oils and Fats: Oil processing, quality parameters, adulteration prevention - Water and Water-Based Beverages: Water treatment, bottling hygiene - Catering Services: Large-scale food preparation, event catering safety
Suitable For: - Specialized food processors - Technical supervisors in specific food sectors - Quality assurance managers in high-risk categories
Equinox Labs offers flexible training options to accommodate different organizational needs:
Important Update: As of February 2024, FSSAI has revised the certificate validity requirements.
Certificate Validity Period: 2 years4
Previously, FoSTaC certificates were valid perpetually (for life). However, FSSAI has revoked the lifetime validity to ensure food safety supervisors stay updated with evolving regulations and best practices.
Food Safety Supervisors whose certificates are expiring must undergo refresher training to renew their certification:5
Refresher Course Details: - Duration: 4-8 hours (depending on course level) - Fee: 50% of the regular FoSTaC training fee - Eligibility: Food handlers whose FSS certificate is expiring within 6 months - Content: Updates on food safety regulations, new compliance requirements, and best practices
Renewal Process: 1. Check certificate expiry date (certificates issued before Feb 2024 expire 2 years from issue date) 2. Enroll in refresher training 6 months before expiry 3. Complete 4-8 hour refresher course 4. Pass the assessment 5. Receive renewed certificate valid for another 2 years
FoSTaC certification is not optional—it's a legal requirement under FSSAI regulations. Food Business Operators (FBOs) with Central or State Licenses must designate trained Food Safety Supervisors for every 25 food handlers to avoid penalties and license suspension.2
Proper food safety training significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by: - Bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria) - Viral infections (Hepatitis A, Norovirus) - Chemical hazards (cleaning agents, pesticides) - Physical hazards (foreign objects in food) - Cross-contamination during food preparation
FoSTaC certification demonstrates your commitment to food safety, which: - Builds consumer confidence and loyalty - Enhances brand reputation - Provides competitive advantage in the market - Increases customer satisfaction and positive reviews
Certified food safety supervisors help businesses: - Navigate FSSAI audits and inspections successfully - Maintain proper documentation and compliance records - Avoid legal penalties and prosecution - Respond effectively to food safety incidents
Trained food safety supervisors contribute to: - Reduced food wastage and spoilage through proper handling - Lower operational costs from fewer contamination incidents - Improved inventory management and storage practices - Better employee awareness and accountability
Equinox Labs is an FSSAI-approved and empanelled FoSTaC Training Partner, offering comprehensive food safety training delivered by certified trainers and industry experts.
Equinox Labs is officially empanelled under the FoSTaC program, ensuring: - Training curriculum aligned with FSSAI standards - Certificates recognized and accepted nationwide - Compliance with all regulatory requirements
Multiple Delivery Modes: - On-site training: At your business premises - Training center sessions: At Equinox Labs facilities - Online training: Virtual sessions for distributed teams - Closed/in-house batches: Dedicated sessions for your organization
Flexible Scheduling: - Weekday and weekend batches available - Customized timing to minimize operational disruption - Fast-track certification options
Equinox Labs provides ongoing assistance beyond training: - Certification Documentation: Help with certificate issuance and verification - Compliance Guidance: Advisory on implementing food safety practices - Audit Preparation: Support for FSSAI inspections and audits - Refresher Training: Timely reminders and enrollment for certificate renewal - Technical Consultation: Access to food safety experts for queries
With operations across India, Equinox Labs offers: - Training centers in major cities - Local trainers familiar with regional requirements - Consistent quality standards nationwide - Easy accessibility for businesses across the country
Equinox Labs has successfully trained food safety supervisors for: - 15,000+ food businesses across India - Leading QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains - Large-scale food manufacturing plants - Hospitality chains and hotel groups - Corporate cafeterias and institutional kitchens - Cloud kitchens and food delivery platforms
As a comprehensive food safety partner, Equinox Labs offers: - Food Testing: NABL-accredited laboratory testing services - Nutritional Labeling: Compliance with FSSAI labeling requirements - Shelf Life Testing: Product stability and expiry determination - Food Safety Audits: GMP, HACCP, and regulatory audits - Label Validation: Review and approval of food labels - Recipe Nutrition Calculation: Nutritional analysis for menu items
This integrated approach allows businesses to address all food safety and compliance needs through a single trusted partner.
Step 1: Consultation and Needs Assessment - Discuss your business requirements and team size - Identify appropriate course levels for different roles - Determine preferred training mode and schedule
Step 2: Enrollment and Registration - Register participants through Equinox Labs - Receive training schedule and joining instructions - Access pre-training materials (if applicable)
Step 3: Training Delivery - Attend interactive training sessions (8-12 hours) - Participate in practical demonstrations and case studies - Engage with experienced trainers and ask questions
Step 4: Assessment and Certification - Complete the FoSTaC examination - Receive immediate feedback on performance - Obtain FSSAI-recognized Food Safety Supervisor certificate
Step 5: Post-Training Support - Access ongoing compliance guidance - Receive reminders for certificate renewal - Consult with experts for implementation questions
Equinox Labs is India's leading FSSAI-notified and NABL-accredited testing and compliance partner, trusted by over 5,000 brands across industries. With more than 20 years of expertise, we specialize in food, water, environment, and indoor air quality testing, helping businesses meet national and international safety standards with confidence.
From startups to large enterprises, Equinox supports organizations with end-to-end services:
Laboratory Testing Services: - Food safety and quality testing - Water testing (drinking, industrial, borewell) - Environmental monitoring (air, noise, emissions) - Nutritional analysis and labeling - Heavy metals and pesticide residue testing - Microbiological testing
Compliance and Certification: - FoSTaC training and certification - FSSAI license and registration support - Food safety audits (GMP, HACCP, GAP) - Eat Right Campus certification - Label validation and approval
Technical Consultancy: - Shelf life studies - Product claim validation - Recipe nutrition calculation - Sensory evaluation - Regulatory compliance advisory
If you're launching new packaged foods or need comprehensive FSSAI compliance support, Equinox Labs offers:
Complete nutritional analysis and label design to meet FSSAI requirements for packaged food products. Learn more about Nutritional Labeling
Expert review and validation of food labels to ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations before product launch. Learn more about Label Validation
Scientific determination of product shelf life through accelerated and real-time stability studies. Learn more about Shelf Life Testing
Comprehensive food safety testing including microbiological, chemical, and physical parameters. Learn more about Food Testing
FSSAI-compliant water testing for packaged drinking water and water used in food processing. Learn more about Drinking Water Testing
Download our expert guide covering the four essential parameters every food business must test under FSSAI regulations:
FoSTaC training typically takes 8 to 12 hours, usually completed over 1 to 2 days depending on the course level. Basic level courses are generally 8 hours (1 day), while Advanced and Special courses are 12 hours (1-2 days).
No. As of February 2024, FSSAI has changed the validity requirements. FoSTaC certificates are now valid for 2 years, after which food safety supervisors must undergo refresher training (4-8 hours) to renew their certification. The previous perpetual/lifetime validity has been officially revoked.4
Yes, Equinox Labs offers both online and offline modes for FoSTaC training. Online training is FSSAI-approved and particularly suitable for organizations with employees at different locations. Both modes provide the same recognized certification.6
Yes. Individuals aiming to improve their skills or looking for career opportunities in food businesses can take up FoSTaC training and become certified Food Safety Supervisors. The certification enhances employability in the food industry.
Non-compliance can lead to: - Heavy monetary penalties during FSSAI inspections - License suspension or revocation - Legal action under food safety regulations - Reputational damage and loss of consumer trust - Potential closure of business operations
FoSTaC certification is mandatory for food business operators with Central or State licenses, including: - Restaurants, hotels, and catering services - Food manufacturing and processing units - Bakeries and confectioneries - Canteens and institutional kitchens - Dhabas, food trucks, and street food vendors - Any business handling food with 25 or more employees
At least one certified Food Safety Supervisor is required for every 25 food handlers.2
FoSTaC offers three levels: - Basic Level: For food handlers and small FBOs (8 hours) - Advanced Level: For managers and supervisors of medium/large FBOs (12 hours) - Special Courses: For high-risk food sectors like dairy, meat, bakery, catering (12 hours)
Each level has multiple courses covering different aspects of the food value chain.3
FoSTaC certificates must be renewed every 2 years through refresher training: 1. Check your certificate expiry date 2. Enroll in refresher training 6 months before expiry 3. Complete 4-8 hour refresher course (50% of regular training fee) 4. Pass the assessment 5. Receive renewed certificate valid for another 2 years5
FoSTaC training covers: - Food safety and hygiene fundamentals - FSSAI regulations and Schedule 4 requirements - Personal hygiene for food handlers - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) - Prevention of contamination and cross-contamination - Proper food storage and handling procedures - Cleaning and sanitation protocols - Pest control measures - Record keeping and documentation
Training fees vary based on: - Course level (Basic, Advanced, or Special) - Training mode (online or offline) - Batch type (open batch or closed/in-house) - Location and training partner
Contact Equinox Labs for current pricing and customized quotes for your organization.
Yes. FoSTaC certificates issued by FSSAI-approved training partners like Equinox Labs are recognized and accepted nationwide. The certification is valid across all states and union territories in India.
After completing the training, participants must: 1. Take a written/online examination 2. Answer multiple-choice questions covering training content 3. Achieve the minimum passing score 4. Receive the Food Safety Supervisor certificate upon passing
The examination is conducted immediately after training completion.
Yes. Equinox Labs offers on-site training at your business premises for closed/in-house batches. This option is convenient for organizations with multiple employees requiring certification and minimizes operational disruption.
Equinox Labs offers FoSTaC training in multiple languages including English, Hindi, and various regional languages depending on location and trainer availability. Multilingual training ensures better comprehension and engagement.
Batch sizes vary by course level and training mode: - Basic Level (Offline): Up to 100 participants - Advanced Level (Offline): Up to 40 participants - Online Closed Training: Up to 1,000 participants6
Ensure your food business meets FSSAI compliance requirements and builds a strong food safety culture. Equinox Labs makes FoSTaC certification simple, accessible, and effective.
Phone: 022 506 474 22
WhatsApp: +91 89769 74310
Email: [email protected]
Address: Equinox HQ, R-854, T.T.C. Rabale, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400701
Website: www.equinoxlab.com
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). "Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC)." Official FoSTaC Portal. https://fostac.fssai.gov.in/ ↩
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). "FoSTaC Training." FSSAI Official Website. https://www.fssai.gov.in/cms/fostac.php - "All food businesses having Central Licences or State Licenses should have at least one trained and certified food safety supervisor for every 25 food-handlers or part thereof on all their premises." ↩↩↩
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). "The FoSTaC Course Structure." FoSTaC Portal. https://fostac.fssai.gov.in/explorefostac-readmore.jsp - "A total of 19 courses at three levels, basic, advanced and special have been developed." ↩↩
Food Tech NEWS. "Lifetime FoSTaC certificate validity removed; Online training restarted." February 7, 2024. https://foodtechnews.in/lifetime-fostac-certificate-validity-removed-online-training-restarted/ - "Lifetime FoSTaC certificate validity have been revoked, and now the FSS certificate will be valid for two years." ↩↩
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). "Changes in the Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC) Portal." Official Notice. https://fostac.fssai.gov.in/downloadnotification/Notice-Changes%20in%20the%20FoSTaC%20portal-reg..pdf - "These refresher courses will be of 4-8 hours' duration for all Basic, Advance and Awareness FOSTaC Courses. The fee will be 50% of the fees permitted for the regular Food Safety Supervisor Training of the respective course." ↩↩
Food Tech NEWS. "Lifetime FoSTaC certificate validity removed; Online training restarted." February 7, 2024. https://foodtechnews.in/lifetime-fostac-certificate-validity-removed-online-training-restarted/ - Details on online training modes and batch sizes for closed trainings. ↩↩↩