Environmental Health Department conducts Food Handlers Training on Grand Turk

The Environmental Health Department (EHD) hosted its first large-scale food handlers training session for the staff of Margaritaville at Carnival Cruise Centre, Grand Turk on 6th September 2023.

There were seventy-five (75) participants that ranged from chefs, bartenders and servers. Participants were receptive and engaged in discussion on topics such as types of foodborne diseases, cross-contamination and the importance of hand washing. This was a wonderful start as EHD works to be more community-integrated with the development of its training programmes.

The food service industry has changed significantly over the past few years, and with that change comes many challenges. Rather than preparing meals at home, there has been a significant increase in individuals purchasing meals at food establishments. With this emphasis on dining out, more pressure is placed on the food service industry to cater to the public’s demand for a greater variety of high-quality foods that are prepared and cooked safely.

The challenge of preparing quality and safe food begins with well-trained and knowledgeable food service workers. This training was designed to help meet the challenge by focusing on those items that are critical to the safe preparation, cooking, holding and storage of food. Food handlers were provided with essential information so that they can clearly and concisely identify risks and implement proper procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Commenting on the training initiative, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services noted that food safety and sanitation is not a part-time job. It is the daily responsibility of those who prepare and cook the food. However, to truly meet this challenge, it is imperative that a cooperative partnership between the industry and health officials be maintained with the common goal of preventing foodborne illnesses.

The Department’s aim is to institute a set standard for safe food handling within the islands by having all individuals charged with handling food to be certified by EHD. The department will provide a list of approved agencies for supporting training in the absence of the department. Certificates will be provided upon successful completion of the training and the length of the certification is 2 years as per international standards.

The EHD takes this opportunity to notify all operators of food establishments, this includes restaurants and catering/private chef services, that going forward, all food handlers will be required to have an Environmental Health Department Food Handlers Certification. Registration is $50 per person with training sessions being conducted on the first and last Wednesday of each month. For further information please contact the Environmental Health Department at 338-2143/44.