Food Safety Education

The Food Safety Education program is a statewide program launched in 1989 with the primary purpose of protecting the public from foodborne illnesses through education and training. The instructors, Food Sanitarians with extensive field experience, provide real world insight. Participants include chefs, cooks, dieticians, managers, pantry workers, stewards, waiters, waitresses, and a host of other professions.

The FOOD SAFETY CLASS (FOOD HANDLER LEVEL) is offered at NO CHARGE. The class is designed to provide the food handler with a basic understanding of food microbiology, major foodborne illnesses, and learn how to implement specific procedures to ensure safe food preparation. The class also provides an excellent review for those already certified. Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of successful completion of the class.

OAHU classes are held at 99-945 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701 (same road entrance as Animal Quarantine).

Click on the following link to view the parking map: Parking Map for Food Safety Class at Halawa

***UPDATE 01/09/23*** In-person food handler certification classes have fully resumed for Oahu. In addition, classes for Kauai, Maui and Big Island will be offered online via Zoom and in-person for Big Island (Kauai and Maui dates coming soon). A working webcam is required for these online classes (If you do not have access to a computer/tablet with a working webcam, please contact Kyla Arruda at (808)825-1774 or [email protected] to discuss possible alternative arrangements). ANSI-accredited online courses offered by other organizations are available here (Fees may apply).

Click on the following link to register online:

Oahu

NEIGHBOR ISLAND classes are normally held on the Islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, but will only be offered online until further notice. Click on the following link to register online:

Neighbor Islands

For Neighbor Island registration information, please contact Kyla Arruda at (808)825-1774 or [email protected]

The mandate for Food Handlers Education certification* requires at least one employee present at every food establishment during operational hours to have a formal food handlers training level certification. In addition to DOH Food Safety Education workshops, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accredited courses will meet this requirement. A comprehensive list of ANSI accredited food handler courses can be found at: ANSI Food Handler Training Certificate Programs**

As a state agency, the Food Safety Branch does not endorse any particular vendor and this list is provided as a matter of convenience. Some programs offer the course in multi-languages. Please check with the program for the languages they offer.

*Requirement effective September 2018

**Some organizations on this list do not mention Hawaii but we will recognize the certificate issued by their program as they are ANSI accredited.