In a significant step toward enhancing professional capabilities in food regulatory affairs, the International Training Centre Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (ITCFSAN) and the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, have jointly launched the Executive Diploma in Food Safety and Regulations (EDFSR). This strategic collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on July 9, 2025, by Pritee Chaudhary, IRS, Director, FSSAI West Region, and Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit, Vice Chancellor, ICT Mumbai. The signing was witnessed by Dr P. R. Gogate, dean–academic programmes, Prof. Uday S. Annapure, head, department of food engineering and technology; and Dr. Jyoti Gokhale from ICT Mumbai, along with Subhaprada Nishtala, head–academic programmes, ITCFSAN, and Vaidehi Kalzunkar, Deputy Director, FSSAI West Region.
This distinctive one-year diploma programme is now open for applications and is set to commence on October 4, 2025. Crafted as a rigorous, practice-driven course, the Executive Diploma in Food Safety and Regulations (EDFSR) is tailored to enhance the technical and regulatory competencies of mid-career professionals working in food safety, quality assurance, and compliance. The curriculum is meticulously structured to ensure that every participant emerges with deep expertise and confidence to navigate and lead in the field of food regulatory affairs. Delivered through in-person sessions every Saturday at the ITCFSAN and ICT Mumbai campuses, this 48-week programme combines classroom learning, hands-on laboratory work, field visits, and expert-led interactions. Designed to accommodate working professionals, it enables participants to upskill without interrupting their careers.
The faculty comprises seasoned experts from regulatory bodies, legal professionals, academia, and industry, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience.
“With increasing complexity in food systems and evolving regulatory requirements, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate the interface of science, policy, and industry practice. EDFSR fills this critical gap,” said Subhaprada Nishtala, head academic programmes, ITCFSAN. The curriculum offers an in-depth, multidisciplinary immersion into the science, systems, and statutes governing food safety spanning foundational principles, national and global regulatory frameworks, quality management systems, emerging food hazards, and legal protections.
With modules covering Indian food laws, Codex standards, WTO-SPS measures, export regulations, and lab-based analytical training, participants gain both theoretical grounding and practical insights. The programme is further enriched by interactive sessions with industry veterans, academic scholars, and regulatory authorities, ensuring a well-rounded and application-oriented learning experience. The Executive Diploma in Food Safety and Regulations is open to graduates in Food Technology or allied disciplines, with a minimum of three years of experience in the food industry or at least one year in food regulatory affairs.
The programme is particularly well suited for professionals engaged in food manufacturing, processing, and QA/QC, regulatory compliance, audits, and certifications, food safety consulting, research, and policy-making as well as those working in academia or government bodies within the food systems domain. With a course fee of Rs 60,000 + 18% GST and limited to just 25 participants, the programme ensures personalised mentorship and a high-impact learning environment. This joint initiative represents a significant step towards creating a talent pipeline equipped to uphold and advance food safety standards in India and beyond. Applications are now open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early due to limited seats. The last date for the application is 24/08/2025.
