J&K launches first street food vendor training programme in Jammu

JAMMU, September 19, 2026: Jammu & Kashmir’s first Street Food Vendor Training Programme was held in Jammu on Saturday, with street food vendors from Jammu and adjoining districts receiving training and certification on food safety and hygiene practices.

The one-day programme was organised at PSPS Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, by the Northern Regional Office of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, Jammu & Kashmir, under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative and Eat Right India campaign.

Officials announced that eight such training sessions would be conducted in every district of Jammu & Kashmir as part of the district-wise rollout.

Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, who was the chief guest, distributed FoSTaC training certificates among the participating vendors and administered an oath on safe food practices.

Sharma said the certification would give trained vendors an advantage in the marketplace by demonstrating their adherence to food quality and safety practices. He said the initiative was aimed at promoting dignified workplace practices, access to clean and healthy food and improved public health outcomes.

He also announced that similar programmes would be organised across Jammu & Kashmir.

Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Jammu & Kashmir, Sanjeev Kumar, announced the district-wise rollout and said the department was committed to strengthening public health safeguards while upgrading the skills of street food vendors. He also outlined plans for wider public awareness, including through social media.

Joint Director, FSSAI, Ankeshwar Mishra said street food was an important part of the identity of any region and stressed the need to equip vendors with proper training and food safety practices.

The training covered personal and stall hygiene, waste disposal, procurement and storage of raw materials, and safe handling and storage of cooked food. Mishra also informed the vendors that FSSAI provides free registration facilities for street food vendors.

Participating vendors shared their experiences during the programme and assured the authorities of compliance with food safety practices.

Manager, FSSAI-Northern Regional Office, Nimanshi, and President, Chamber of Commerce and Industries Jammu, Arun Gupta, were among those present.