Food handler’s permits to be valid for two years under proposed changes

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Food Handlers Permit Programme is to be modernised, moving from an annual renewal to every two years following Cabinet’s approval of amendments to the Public Health Act, the Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations and Public Health (Tourist Establishment) Regulations.

The announcement was made by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton at a post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

The move is expected to significantly reduce the volume of applications processed by Parish Health Departments and streamline the administrative workflow associated with the programme.