ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 17th, 2012 – Food vendors and other persons interested in selling food during the Emancipation Festival season must be licensed by the Environmental Health Division to operate. They are also encouraged to ensure that their food handlers’ certificates are up to date.
Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Rupert Xavier stated, “The Environmental Health Division has increased the number of food handlers sessions offered in July so that booth operators and food handlers can attend and be certified.”
Topics covered in the sessions include proper storage of foods; transportation of foods; and the correct environment for food preparation. Sessions will be held on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Conservation and Fisheries Department Conference Room located in the Quatisky Building.
On completion of the Food Handlers session, participants will receive a food handlers’ certificate. Certificates are valid for six months or one year.
Additionally, the Division is also advising all booth operators that food safety inspections for booths operating in the various festival villages will start next week. Inspections will continue until August 10.
The Environmental Health Division is the government agency under the portfolio of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, with responsibilities for the management of vector control programs, as well as monitoring food safety, water quality, institutional hygiene and port health.
The office is located on the 3rd Floor of the Old Administration Building on Main Street and can be contacted at telephone 468-5110.
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