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How to Apply For A Food Handler's Permit in Jamaica

Updated: Jun 12


According to the Public Health Food Handling Regulation of 1998, no person including an operator can be employed in or assist in a food handling establishment unless he or she is the holder of a valid food handler’s permit.

 

Whether you wish to start your own business in any type of restaurant or hotel; before you can legally operate your business you will need a food handler’s permit.

 

If you are attending HEART or any other culinary institution, as a student you will need to apply for a permit. Persons who are operators of food establishments, chefs, butchers, merchandisers, bakers, waitresses, food vendors, etc. must have a valid food handler’s permit.

 

To get a new application started you must pay a visit to any one of the thirteen health departments in Jamaica and take the following items with you:

 

1. Valid TRN

2. Valid form of National ID

3. Two passport-size pictures (notarized by a JP)

4. $500 (examination fee)

 

You should be ready to fill out an application form (see a copy of the form below).

You will also be asked to take a blood test.

You must then make an appointment to attend a Food Handler’s Training session and sit an examination which will test your knowledge of basic hygiene and sanitation principles. You must score a 70% or higher pass to be deemed successful.

 

NB. If you are a student with a valid student ID who is currently enrolled in a course, you pay a reduced fee of $300. The permit will last for the duration of your course. All other permits are valid for one year.

 

If your application is successful, depending on the parish, your permit should be ready to be collected in two to six weeks.

 

While you are waiting for your permit, you can request a letter stating that you are trained and certified as a food handler to operate in that capacity.


FYI: The Food Handlers Permit must be renewed each year by completing the same procedure. For renewals, you must carry the previous permit with you.


Below is the list of locations for the Department of Health. Contact the one nearest to you.



Below is a copy of the Food Handler's Permit Application Form you can download and complete.




COMMENTS from Original blog posted on Webs website


Kerrisha

5:07 PM on July 13, 2018  by Kayanafoster5@gmail.com

Hello good day suppose you don't have an id as yet you about to get it you still can apply for it.Nb. I don't have my school id either.

 

 

7:20 PM on July 13, 2018 

What about your passport? You will need a valid id to proceed.


 

shadine

9:22 AM on November 21, 2018  by shadinecarnegie40@gmail.com

Good morning it's my first time going to apply for a food handler's permit I'm a student I was wondering if I should leave the employer, business address, granted or refused blank for the number of last food handlers permit should I writer 0 for that like it's my first time doing this.

 

1:44 PM on November 21, 2018 

Hi Shadine,


If you are currently enrolled at an institution you can put student for 'Occupation', along with your school's name for 'Employer' and school's address for 'Business Address for Employer'. If you are not enrolled at a culinary institution, you can put Food Preparer for 'Occupation' and leave the spaces for 'Employer' and 'Business Address for Employer' blank. For the other areas - granted or refused, etc. you may put n/a meaning not applicable.


 

Shemar binns

10:14 AM on June 20, 2019  by shemarbinns6@gmail.com

I have a food handler but it want to renew do I have to have my id

 

10:51 AM on June 20, 2019 

Hi Shemar,


About having your id to renew? No you don't. You must carry the previous permit to renew it though.


 

Paulette

10:20 PM on November 15, 2019  by Pauletteparnell@yahoo.com

I am going to open a restaurant do I need a business food handler

 

12:04 PM on November 18, 2019 

Hi Paulette. As far as I understand, there is no business food handler's permit. You will need your business establishment licence and food handler's permit for all individuals working there.


 

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