How to Obtain a Food Handlers Certificate in Hawaii

Anyone working with food in Hawaii must obtain a food handlers certification.

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) requires anyone who transports, prepares or serves food--or comes into contact with any utensils or cooking equipment--to obtain a food handlers certification. The Hawaii DOH provides free two-day courses and certification examinations throughout the year, both on Oahu and on the outer islands.

Instructions

1. Register for a food safety workshop through the Hawaii State Department of Health website. The Oahu branch of the DOH conducts two-day certification workshops every two months, which are listed on the department's website. The outer islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii conduct certification courses every three to four months. Participants should call 808-933-0917 to inquire about outer island certification workshops.

2. Attend the two-day food safety workshop. The course covers prevention of foodborne illnesses, food safety techniques, sanitation procedures and the basic concepts of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). At the end of the course, students take an examination to obtain their food handlers certificate.

3. Review food safety procedures by attending more free Hawaii Department of Health classes, such as the one- to two-hour food safety class and the in-depth HACCP class. The second class covers the seven basic principles of HACCP, and teaches food handlers how to use those principles in their food preparation techniques.

References

• Hawaii State Department of Health: Sanitation Branch: Food Information