Food Handler’s Certificate
Why obtain a Permit?
The Public Health Food Handling Regulation (1998) states: No person, including an operator, shall be employed in, or assist in food-handling establishment unless he is the holder of a valid Food Handler’s Permit.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Permit?
The following are required for an applicant to be considered successful and granted a permit:
- Properly completed Application Form
- Two (2) passport sized photographs signed by a ‘Notary Public Official’
- Application Fee paid Food Handler’s Clinic attended Food Handler’s Test passed (given at end of Clinic)
Where and when may I attend a Clinic?
Click here to see clinic locations and schedules in respective parishes.
Where may I obtain an application form?
You may obtain a Food Handler’s Application Form by contacting your nearest Health Centre or Health Department. You may also download one by clicking here.
What is the fee charged for application?
The application fee as set out by the regulations is: J$500.00 per application.
Application fees for students (i.e. to obtain a student Permit) is: J$300.00 per application.
N.B. Application fees are non-refundable.
How long does a Permit last?
A Food Handler’s Permit is valid for a period of one (1) year, but may be renewed upon expiration.
How do I renew my Permit?
After the expiration of your permit (1 year), take the old permit along with you and complete the following steps:
- Complete Application Form.
- Pay Application Fee.
- Attend Food Handler’s Clinic.
- Sit and pass Food Handler’s Test (given at end of Clinic).
Who is a ‘Notary Public Official’?
This is a person who may sign your passport photos. The following persons are considered ‘Notary Public Officials’:
- Justice of the Peace (J.P.)
- Superintendent of Police
- Minister of Religion
Note: Consideration is given to prospective food handlers who are graduates of a recognised training institution, and have training in food handling. These graduates would not have to go through the educational sessions, but will be required to do the assessment quiz administered by the health department.
These categories may be subjected to medical examination and laboratory evaluation if indicated.
Accredited students and trainees in educational institutions pay a fee of $300.
For further information contact your Parish Health Department or your nearest Health Centre.
Clinic Locations
Location |
Clinic Days |
Clinic Time |
| Trelawny Health Department | Every Wednesday |
8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm |
| Dewar Health Centre (Duncan’s) | 2nd Thursdays 4th Thursdays |
8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm |
| Albert Town Health Centre | 1st Mondays 2nd Mondays |
8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm |
For more information contact Trelawny Health Department at 954-4904 / 3689
Location |
Clinic Days |
Clinic Time |
| Savanna-la-mar Health Centre | 1st Wednesdays 1st Thursdays |
9:00am – 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Grange Hill Health Centre | 1st Tuesdays 2nd Tuesdays |
9:00am – 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Whitehouse Health Centre | 1st Tuesdays 3rd Wednesdays |
9:00am – 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Negril Health Centre | 4th Tuesdays 1st Thursdays |
9:00am – 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Darliston Health Centre | 3rd Tuesdays | 9:00am – 12:00pm |
For more information contact Westmoreland Health Department at 955-2308
Location |
Clinic Days |
Clinic Time |
| Green Island Health Centre | 1st Tuesdays 4th Wednesdays |
8:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30pm – 4:30pm 8:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30pm – 4:30pm |
| Lucea Health Centre | 1st Thursdays 3rd Tuesdays Itinerant Vendors |
8:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30pm – 4:30pm 8:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30pm – 4:30pm 2nd Week of July Annually |
| Ramble Health Centre | 1st Wednesdays | 8:30am – 12:00pm |
| Sandy Bay Health Centre | 2nd Tuesdays | 8:30am – 12:00pm |
| Hopewell Health Centre | 3rd Mondays | 8:30am – 12:00pm |
For more information contact the Hanover Health Department at 956-2731 / 2604
Location |
Clinic Days |
Clinic Time |
| Mt. Salem Health Centre | Every Tuesday | 8:30am – 12:00pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm |
| Cambridge Health Centre | 3rd Tuesdays | 8:30am – 12:00pm |
| Maroon Town Health Centre | 3rd Thursdays | 8:30am – 12:00pm |
For more information contact the St. James Health Department at 979-7820-4
Applications Forms
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Annual Renewal Fees for Health Certificates for Tourist Establishments
Tourist Establishment |
Fee |
| Villas and Resort Cottages | $ 5,000.00 |
| Hotels with 50 rooms or less | $ 5,000.00 |
| Hotels with 51-100 rooms | $ 10,000.00 |
| Hotels with 101-150 rooms | $ 15,000.00 |
| Hotels with 151-200 rooms | $ 20,000.00 |
| Hotels with 201 rooms or more | $ 25,000.00 |
| Food Handlers Permit | $ 500.00 |
| Swimming Pool Application | $ 1500.00 |