Food handlers to get certified early for festival

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PRESS RELEASE: Food handlers participating in the Emancipation Festival in August are encouraged to get certified early.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr Lionel Michael is urging prospective vendors to ensure that all persons who will be handling food receive their food handler’s certification before the cutoff point of July 19.

Mr Michael said too much pressure has been placed on the division and on food handlers over the years to be certified for the festival season, and that things will be done differently this year.

“We want them to plan ahead and come early to the many food handler clinics that will be offered between now and then,” he said.

He added that special training for groups and individuals can be organised in the evenings by contacting the division at 468-5110 or by scheduling appointments at the office located next to the Red Cross Building and downstairs the Social Development Department.

Food handlers are therefore notified that clinics will be held on the following dates:

• June 14, 21, and 28 at the Red Cross Building in Road Town
• July 5 at Nature’s Way East End
• July 12 and 19 at the Red Cross Building in Road Town

All sessions begin at 8:30 a.m.

Food handlers are asked to renew their food handler’s card at least one month in advance of expiration. Expired certificates, social security card, work permit and/or picture identification must be presented when certificates are being renewed.

The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and social well-being.

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