Changes coming for food handlers permit system

Food handlers in Jamaica could soon be required to renew their permits every two years instead of annually, following Cabinet’s approval of amendments aimed at modernising the country’s food handlers permit regime.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said the move is expected to reduce the number of renewal applications processed by parish health departments and ease the administrative burden associated with the programme.

According to portfolio minister Dr Chris Tufton, the reform is intended to shift the programme away from a largely manual, paperwork-driven process and towards a model focused on monitoring compliance with food safety requirements.