The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority has held its first-ever food handlers’ training on food safety in Mt Hagen, marking a crucial step toward strengthening food safety standards across the province.
The one-day training, held at Tigo Inn last Thursday, July 9, 2026, was led by WHPHA’s Environmental Health Officers in collaboration with the Mt Hagen City Authority (MHCA). It transpired after a routine inspection of 30 food businesses was conducted earlier this year, which revealed widespread gaps in hygiene and safety practices.
To address these concerns, WHPHA developed a three-phase training program targeting 60 food businesses. 17 representatives attended the first session, with the second batch scheduled for August and the final group in October, 2026.
Opening the program, Director of Public Health Mr. Dannex Kupamu reminded the participants that compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional but mandatory.
“Health Inspectors may appear ordinary, but they hold significant authority. Under the Food Sanitation Act 1991 and the Food Sanitation Regulation 2007, they are empowered to revoke a business’s right to operate in the province if compliance is not met,” he warned.
“Last year, our team condemned food items valued at more than K300,000. This demonstrates the seriousness of enforcement. If your business fails to comply with the regulations, it too may face similar consequences,” he cautioned the participants.
He further emphasized that food safety is everyone’s responsibility: “We all consume food, often without carefully checking expiry dates. This can pose serious risks to our health and to the wider public if expired or unsafe items are sold. It is therefore essential that we remain vigilant and mindful of what we put out for public consumption.”
Health Inspector Mr. Joe Wasia reinforced the message, noting that sanitation and hygiene practices are governed under the Public Health Act 1973. He highlighted the importance of securing both a Trading License from the MHCA and a Prescribed Food Business License issued by WHPHA, which ensures food businesses meet strict sanitary and safety standards.
The training covered key topics including food hazards and foodborne diseases, personal hygiene, time and temperature control, sanitation and cross-contamination prevention, and occupational health and safety.
Health Inspectors emphasized that compliance with food safety laws protects public health, preserves business reputations, and ensures financial success.
At the close of the training, participants pledged to uphold these regulations, recognizing their responsibility in protecting the community.
By committing to higher hygiene standards, the Western Highlands PHA aims to build a healthier province while fostering trust between businesses and the public.
