Food Safety in Toronto
Safe food handling is an important part of being in the food service business. You can either be a food handler who works for a food business or you can be a business owner and safe food handling will still remain at the top your professional “must-do/have” list. By keeping food handling safe, you are ensuring that the product that you send out into the market is safe for public consumption and will not cause foodborne illness. This is the main goal of receive food handler training.
Food Handler Courses at Toronto First Aid
Food handler courses are available all over the city but Toronto First Aid is hands-down the best provider in Ontario. There bylaws in every city in Ontario, Toronto included, that govern food handler training. Looking from a nationwide prospective, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Health Promotion and Protection Act regulates these programs all over Canada.
Specifically, the by-law that covers food handler training is actually focused on food businesses rather than the occupation of food service. In Toronto, all medium-risk and high-risk food facilities are required by law to have a trained staff member present at all times (on duty) at the facility. This means that the law doesn’t require all food service workers to get food handler training; however, since businesses cannot operate without trained staff members, employers usually request new hires or applicants for open positions to get certified for food handler training beforehand.
A little bit about foodborne illness
Foodborne illness is name for a category of diseases caused by ingesting food that has been contaminated with microorganisms or other pathogenic substances. Viruses and bacteria contaminate food if the direct food handler doesn’t practice proper hand hygiene, wear the necessary protective gear, or sanitize his or her work area.
Two Levels of Food Handler Training
Food handler training courses at Toronto First Aid are available in two levels. The first level is a basic one that is open to direct food handlers and people interested in learning food safety and safe food handling practices. It runs for eight hours, covering basic topics such as:
- Introduction to Microbiology and Parasitology
- Common Foodborne Illnesses (FBIs)
- FBI management
- Personal health and hygiene
- Workplace sanitation
- Safe cooking practices
The second level of training is more advanced, targeted towards food business owners and administrative staff (staff with managerial capacity). It is a longer program, running for twelve-hours. It focuses on concepts that are important in running a food business, such as:
- Health and business permits
- Staff training in food safety
- Work flow in the facility
- General housekeeping and sanitation
Food Handler Certificates
There is a final exam at the end of training that students need to pass in order to get certified. There are written and practical portions of the exam.
Certificates from food handler training courses are only valid for five years. Certified trainees will need to take food handler refresher courses every five years, preferably before their credentials have expired.