Safeguarding Food for Public Consumption

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), under the Public Health Act, has instituted prohibitions and penalties for food operators that are found to be in breach of the established standards.

Prohibitions

The Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations 1998, require strict adherence to cleanliness, quality, and safety standards in food-handling establishments, with a focus on the presence of licences, permits, hygiene, record-keeping, food storage and transportation, as well as cooperation with health authorities.

Penalties

Operators of food establishments found in breach of GOJ health regulations are subject to the penalties listed below.

Seizure of Food

Food offered for sale that is suspected to be unsafe to eat will be seized by a health official or authorised person. An inspection will be conducted, and if deemed unsafe, the confiscated food becomes the property of the Health Department. The health officer or authorised person then renders the food inedible and provides written instructions for its disposal.

Suspension and Revocation of Licence

A health officer can suspend the licence of an establishment if the operator has violated the regulations or any licensing conditions. A licence may be revoked if:

• The operator has a communicable disease.
• The licence has been suspended three times.
• False information was provided during the licensing application.
• There is reasonable belief that the food establishment poses a health risk.

When a licence is revoked, a notice is posted in the establishment, and the health officer issues a written order for closure, specifying the fine and imprisonment.

Fine or Imprisonment

Any person who breaches any provision of the Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations 1998, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction in a Resident Magistrate’s Court to a fine not exceeding $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.

For additional information, please contact:

Ministry of Health and Wellness

10-16 Grenada Way

Kingston 5

Telephone: 876-633-8103/876-633-7433

Email: pr@moh.gov.jm

Website: www.moh.gov.jm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themohgovjm

Instagram/X: @themohgovjm