Since the beginning of the academic year, inspections carried out by the Sanitation Unit have been continuously revealing that there is a lack of compliance with the Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations within food establishments on the UWI, Mona Campus. One area where there has been a widespread problem is the lack of food handlers permits. As such, the Food Establishments and Service Secretariat organized an Onsite Food Handlers Clinic with the Kingston and St. Andrew Health Department in an effort to ensure that the campus’ food handlers are compliant.

On May 12, 2022 the Onsite Food Handlers Clinic was held at the Mona School of Business and Management. The day began at approximately 1:45pm with addresses by Mr. Fabian Stewart, Director (Acting), Business Development Office, and Ms. Sherika Danvers, Deputy Superintendent, Sanitation and Grounds. The Public Health Inspectors then carried out the lecture and administered the exam.

Twenty-seven (27) of thirty (30) registrants participated in the session and all 27 were successful! As such we hope to see an improvement in food safety standards within our establishments.

The demand is there for the hosting of another session. The Secretariat therefore intends to meet this demand at the start of the next academic year.