A total of 596 food handlers’ certificates have been issued so far this year, as the Environmental Health Division continues to assist food businesses in achieving required food safety standards.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lionel Michael stated that the division has been emphasising education and behavioral change with the expectation that properly trained food handlers will apply knowledge gained to reduce food safety risks and behaviours which can potentially lead to food-borne illnesses and outbreaks.

            He added that the training addresses operational procedures that will prevent outbreaks from occurring once applied. Mr. Michael said the division will continue its food handlers’ sessions in May and is extending an invitation to persons to attend these sessions. The dates and times are as follows:

•  May 21 at the Ward Building at 5:00 p.m. in Road Town
•  May 22 at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Virgin Gorda at 10:00 a.m.
•  May 23 at the Red Cross Building in Road Town at 8:30 a.m.
•  May 28 at the Ward Building at 8:30 a.m.

Persons renewing their food handler’s certificates are required to present their expired certificates, social security card, work permit and/or picture identification. For more information, please contact the Environmental Health Division at telephone number 468-5110.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.