In a significant move to elevate food safety standards, more than 150 street food vendors in Cuttack have undergone specialized hygiene training just days before the commencement of the historic Bali Yatra festival. This initiative aims to transform the culinary landscape of one of Odisha's largest open-air fairs.
Comprehensive Training for Safer Street Food
The extensive training program, organized in collaboration with food safety authorities, equipped vendors with essential knowledge about proper food handling, storage techniques, and maintaining hygiene standards. Participants learned crucial aspects of food safety that will directly benefit the millions of visitors expected to attend the week-long festival.
FSSAI Certification for Qualified Vendors
Vendors who successfully completed the training program will receive the prestigious Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification. This certification serves as a mark of quality and safety assurance for festival-goers, helping them identify vendors who meet established food safety standards.
Enhancing the Bali Yatra Experience
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant as Bali Yatra attracts massive crowds from across the state and beyond. The trained vendors will be strategically positioned throughout the festival grounds, offering everything from traditional Odia snacks to popular street food items, all prepared under improved hygiene conditions.
"This training has completely changed how I view food preparation," shared one participating vendor. "We now understand the importance of hand hygiene, proper cooking temperatures, and safe food storage practices that will benefit our customers."
Building Consumer Confidence
The initiative represents a major step forward in building consumer trust in street food, which forms an integral part of the Bali Yatra experience. Festival organizers emphasize that this move will not only protect public health but also enhance the overall reputation of the centuries-old festival.
As the city prepares to welcome visitors for this cultural extravaganza, the trained vendors stand ready to offer safer, more hygienic food options while preserving the authentic flavors that make Bali Yatra's culinary offerings so memorable.
