Future Nutrition and Dietetics professionals at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, are getting an added advantage as they prepare to enter the workforce, following specialised food safety training delivered by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
A CARPHA press release stated that 35 Nutrition and Dietetics interns from the Faculty of Food and Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension (DAEE) took part in the two-and-a-half-day programme in Trinidad and Tobago.
The training was requested by DAEE as part of its efforts to give students pursuing the BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme access to advanced micro-credential opportunities that can complement their university studies.
Beyond the classroom, the programme focused on practical skills that the students can carry into their professional careers. They were trained in proper food handling, hygiene and sanitation, preventing food contamination and foodborne illnesses, and reducing time and temperature abuse throughout the food flow cycle.
Participants were also reminded of the importance of keeping food safety practices in place at every stage of the food chain.
The training was delivered by a multidisciplinary CARPHA team comprising Keston Daniel, Coordinator of Visitor-based Surveillance with the Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP); Dr. Sastee Kissoondan, Senior Technical Officer – Planning & Coordination in the Office of the Executive Director; and Frieda Mohammed, Standards & Training Officer with THP.
Daniel opened the first day of training and said the partnership with UWI was an important step in preparing the next generation of professionals.
“CARPHA’s THP is proud to collaborate with The UWI in equipping future Nutrition and Dietetics professionals to champion food safety and protect public health. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to building healthier and safer Caribbean communities”.
Students took part in the internationally recognised ServSafe® Train-the-Trainer Advanced Food Safety Certification Course under the National Restaurant Association.
All 35 participants successfully completed the training and examination. Those who satisfy the certification requirements will receive an Advanced Food Safety certificate that remains valid for five years.
For the students, the additional credential could provide more than another qualification on their resumes. CARPHA said it can make them more marketable as they enter the profession while giving them stronger tools to promote food safety and help reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks across the Caribbean.
The release shared that the initiative also highlights the growing importance of combining academic training with practical, internationally recognised skills as Caribbean countries continue to strengthen public health and food safety systems.
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