What Happened
More than 300 people took part in a Ministry of Health (MINSA) outreach in Cerro Batea to obtain the white and green cards for food handlers, the ministry reported. The jornada provided residents who handle food with official documentation that indicates they meet MINSA’s health and safety requirements for working with food.
Background
Food-handler cards — known locally as carné blanco and carné verde — are identification documents used to show that a person who handles food has completed required health checks or training and is cleared to work in food preparation and service. MINSA periodically organizes community campaigns to issue or renew these cards, especially in neighborhoods where many residents work in restaurants, street food vending, markets, or other food-related trades.
Why the Drive Matters
Public outreach events like the one in Cerro Batea make it easier for workers to comply with health regulations without traveling to distant offices. By issuing more than 300 cards at a single event, MINSA reduced barriers to access and helped strengthen local food safety oversight. Ensuring food handlers are certified supports efforts to prevent foodborne illness and protects both workers and consumers.
Local Impact and Next Steps
For many participants, obtaining the carné blanco or carné verde is a practical step toward legal compliance and continued employment in the food sector. MINSA’s mobile or community-based jornadas also give the ministry an opportunity to engage directly with residents, answer questions about health requirements, and encourage safe food-handling practices. MINSA may continue similar drives in other neighborhoods to reach additional workers who need certification.