All food handlers, including nursery and nursing home personnel, must undergo mandatory training from the Ministry of Health to reduce/eliminate food borne illnesses.  The Basic Food Safety Course focuses on strategies to avoid or minimize food contamination, thus preventing food-borne illnesses. The importance of proper storage, prevention of cross-contamination and good personal hygiene is emphasized.

After completing the course, participants are eligible for a Food Handler’s Certificate and would be able to:

1. discuss food borne illness as a threat to their business and the food service industry, in general
2. outline general characteristics of potentially hazardous foods
3. discuss the relationship between personal hygiene and food contamination
4. identify ways to prevent and reduce time and temperature abuse of food and cross-contamination in the flow of food through an establishment
5. describe proper cleaning and sanitizing methods

This is offered to any interested person in The Bahamas.

1. Contact the Food Handler’s Clinic to schedule appointment for health certificate and Food Safety Course.
2. Arrive at the clinic 1 hour earlier than scheduled appointment for registration.
3. Present identification.
4. Fill out and sign necessary form.
5. Wait in waiting area to see the doctor.
6. Participate in "assessment" and interview.
7. Provided that assessment is favourable, attend Food Safety Course.
8. At the end of the course, accept Food Handlers certificate

Please note that special arrangements are made for Family Island residents with sessions being scheduled based on demand.

Basic Food Safety Assessment form

National legal photo identification – passport, voter’s card or driver’s licence

BS$10.00

Food Handler’s Clinic
Meeting Street
P.O. Box N-3729
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 328-5202
Fax. (242) 356-7612
e-mail: dphe_foodhandlers@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays