health certificates to work?

eh? I have not heard of anything like this. I also just did a search and didnt come up with anything.

My fiancé did not need a health certificate to work in non-food related industries. I have a food handler’s card; yes you have to have a stool sample test done for ova and parasites. This can be done at a number of clinics here on St Croix and yes it does need to be renewed each year. Although my employer never asked to see my actual food handler’s card they did ask if I had one. I thought the ova and parasite test was a little much but from what I hear not everyone passes the test so it is needed. Once you have your test results you need to make an appointment to get your card, make your appointment for the first of the day. I was scheduled for the first appointment at 8am and didn’t end up getting seen until almost 9am. The test cost $20 and the card costs I think around $30, I would bring cash for both. Good luck, if you have any questions let me know.

Lauren

In St. Thomas you can get your test done at a regular lab for $10 and egt it back same morning. The clinic at the hospital charges $17 and takes two days. Here you have to go to the clinic between 1pm and 2:45pm to get it done. Then and only then. The card then costs $30 as said before.
Emplyers are supposed to copy your card and have them on display somewhere, so when the inspector comes, they can see them!
Ronnie

oh right 🙂 I forgot about the food handling side of life!

thanks for the answers. Anyone know what "ova" is and what parasites they're looking for? Who'd a thunk it?

Lauren

Ova refers to the egg stage of a parasite's life cycle. I'd guess they're primarily looking for pin worms.

Oh my! Are pinworms prevelent in the tropics? And they're transmitted through handling food after not washing your hands after using the bathroom? I've been going to STT for 30 years (yes I'm OLD) and never thought about it! My son hangs out with his buddies at a certain restaurant (dont want to squeal) and he says they're lax in getting their certs and the boss is after them to get at it but they're still working. Is this really a risk?

And thanks again Ronnie, you've been a great help.
Lauren

And what about Hepatitis? According to the National Center for Infectious Disease - boy I hate to say this - the Caribbean islands are at high risk for Hep. A & B. It's recommended that you are vaccinated prior to visiting. Of course, I've NEVER read this anywhere else, not even in travel guides/magazines.

Does anyone know about this?

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa.htm#travel