FSSAI waives registration charge for street food vendors: Govt

In a significant move to support street food vendors, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to waive the ₹100 registration fee for street food vendors. The announcement was made during a training and awareness programme for around 1,350 street food vendors at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Nadda emphasized the importance of creating street food hubs across the country, underscoring the cultural and economic value of street food. He highlighted that FSSAI's decision to waive the registration fee aims to encourage more vendors to register, promoting safety and hygiene in street food practices.

Currently, the FSSAI charges ₹100 per annum as a registration fee for petty food business operators, including street food vendors, with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.

As part of the initiative, FSSAI is providing certificates and 'Street Safe' rapid testing kits to all participating vendors. Nadda urged vendors to implement the training in their daily operations to ensure the safety and growth of their businesses. He noted that safe practices and cleanliness could lead to increased consumer trust and business growth.

The government's training programme aims to boost business opportunities for street food vendors while ensuring food safety for consumers. The certificates from FSSAI are expected to enhance the credibility and reliability of vendors among consumers.

During the event, Nadda launched a ‘SOP for Street Food Vendors,’ outlining essential hygiene and safety practices. He also inaugurated a dedicated portal for street food vendors to share success stories and access food safety resources.

Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing food safety. She stressed that street food is a crucial part of India's cultural identity and that maintaining hygiene standards is essential.

Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, announced FSSAI's plan to train one lakh street food vendors nationwide in the coming year through its FoSTaC programme. This initiative aims to improve food safety standards and public health by building on the successful training of over 18 lakh food handlers since 2017.

The event saw the presence of G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI; U S Dhyani, Executive Director, FSSAI; and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry. Arbind Singh, founder of the National Association of Street Vendors India (NASVI), appreciated the FSSAI's efforts and urged for nationwide training programmes.