Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen has stated that the food badge application process has been compromised by corruption.
Addressing the Senate on The Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 on Tuesday, she said the government is aware of public officers who have been taking bribes in exchange for food badges, and an investigation has been launched into the matter.
“They take a whole batch of applicants from people who are not even nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and get it processed and give it to them for a fee. We know that this is happening. We have had reports, and those reports are being investigated.”
Minister Ameen warned that the misuse of food badges, particularly when they end up in the wrong hands, can cause serious health implications.
“People could have their health jeopardised. They could even lose their lives if they fall ill with some of those foodborne illnesses.”
She is therefore urging business owners to adhere to the proper application process, which the government has since streamlined.
“Food badges now expire on the anniversary of the date they were issued. So it means that we will not have that rush during the January to March period, because there’s usually a requirement for you to be registered by the end of March. So you will no longer have that rush.”
Minister Ameen outlined the steps required to obtain a food badge. She also noted that applicants can be as young as 16 years old.
“First of all, you must get your application form. Applicants can pick up these application forms at your Municipal Corporation, your local health authority. You can also download them online. You must have a certified medical professional examine you and fill out the medical certificate portion of the form. You take that form and two passport-size photos, along with a valid national ID card, passport or ID, and submit those documents to the public health department at your local Corporation.”
Minister Ameen said the processing fee varies between $80 and $100 and applicants must attend a mandatory food safety lecture.
The Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed unanimously by the Senate.