Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, has outlined changes to the way food badges are issued, aimed at easing the burden on Municipal Corporations.
During the debate on the Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Friday, she said the legislation will modernise the food badge system across Trinidad and Tobago.
She explained that under the current law, all food badges expire on December 31st of the year they are issued, regardless of when they are obtained.
This, she noted, has created a significant administrative burden for Municipal Corporations, forcing thousands of renewals within a short period and leaving many food handlers without a full year of certification.
The proposed amendment will change that system, ensuring that food badges remain valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
The Minister said by spreading renewals more evenly throughout the year, the measure is expected to reduce administrative pressure, improve compliance, and provide greater flexibility for small businesses and vendors.
“For the entire of Trinidad, in all of our Municipalities in the period 2023 to 2025, there were a total of 154,272 food badge applications. That gives you an idea, Mr. Speaker, of how many people are impacted by this. And it ranges from people who work as employees in major food establishments, hotels, even street vendors, and small businesses.”
The Minister stressed that food badges play a critical role in protecting public health, ensuring that food handlers are free from contagious diseases and properly trained in hygiene standards.
She added that the system is essential in safeguarding consumers from foodborne illnesses.