00:01A food badge notice issued by the Chaguanas Borough Corporation is raising concerns among roadside vendors.
00:07In particular, one line which states, quote,
00:11Please note that food handlers' badges will not be issued to persons vending on the pavement or roadway, as this
00:19is prohibited, end quote.
00:21We pleading with the mayor to see how they can help you out in this situation, please.
00:27Because the police say we have to go by the mayor to get a paper to sell here.
00:31Everybody frightened here, so nobody will want to come on the camera.
00:34And as I am seeking for everybody, and we really need this to be done urgently.
00:39Please, we are begging you.
00:42Roughly, we have about 15 to 20 vendors in this stretch.
00:46Despite this warning, however, Mayor Fahid Mahmoud tells TV6 News,
00:51The question of whether roadside vending is legal depends on what is determined to be the roadside.
00:58The mayor stresses that the intention of the advisory is primarily to safeguard public health.
01:04The notice does not mean that roadside vendors or doubles vendors are automatically excluded from obtaining a food handler's badge.
01:12As part of the application process, applicants are required to indicate where they prepare and sell their food.
01:18The public health unit will then assess the location and their relevant sanitary and hygienic requirements.
01:26Once the applicant meets necessary public health, sanitary and hygienic requirements, there is nothing to be concerned about.
01:34The notice is intended to clarify the approved payment procedure and to ensure that food is being prepared and sold
01:42in accordance with the law and establish public health standards.
01:45The corporation remains committed to working with vendors to ensure that these requirements are properly understood and followed.
01:53However, the mayor says action will be taken against non-compliant vendors.
02:00Vendors who will comply with these requirements have nothing to be concerned about.
02:04However, any vendor found to be in breach of the established public health requirements will have to address those breaches
02:11and may be subjected to the appropriate enforcement action.
02:15The notice issued earlier this month goes further to advise persons seeking a food badge to make payments only via
02:25approved payment options
02:26and advises that cash payments are not accepted for food badge applications.
02:32As such, the corporation says, any person who is asked to make a cash payment should immediately report the matter
02:41to the public health unit at 671-6715 extension 3027 or 3031
02:50or via email to cbc.ceo at gov.tt.
02:58Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
