Hawaii Food Handler Law

The Hawaii Department of Health has updated is Chapter 50 of the Food Safety Code and the 2013 FDA Model Food Code has been adopted.

Background and Summary

On September 2, 2017, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) began implementation of the new Rules for Food Establishments. The new Rules for Food Establishments were revised to be more closely aligned with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2013 Model Food Code.

When do the new rules go into effect?

The new food safety rules became effective in Hawaii on September 2, 2017.

What types of establishments are affected by the new rules?

The new regulation applies to all food establishments for which Hawaii DOH has oversight such as restaurants, snack bars, catering operations, ice cream parlors, school cafeterias, licensed healthcare facilities, temporary food establishments, andmobile food establishments.

What are the new rules?

The new rules contain several changes affecting food operators in the state. This document contains a summary of key changes that may affect operators and their establishments.

Full Adoption of the 2013 FDA Model Food Code