Why there is a need for Food Handling Courses in Edmonton? The province of Alberta in Canada is very strict when it comes to food safety and sanitation. The Public Health Act on Food Regulation covers all food establishments in Edmonton that directly handle, prepare, package, and serve food. Establishments that only handle pre-packaged goods like convenience stores aren’t covered by the act. The purpose of food regulation is to ensure the safety of the food products that become sold in the market – because they can greatly affect the health of society in Edmonton.
The public health act requires food service workers to be trained in food safety and sanitation, in accordance with the following stipulations:
- With more than five employees working in the establishment at a time – the presence of a trained supervisor
- With less than six employees working in the establishment at a time – the presence of a trained supervisory or non-supervisory staff member
The act technically only covers food establishments, therefore not all food service workers are required by law to get trained. However, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) still highly encourage the entire staff to train and become certified in food safety and sanitation. Establishments that handle high-risk food or have a high-risk environment may even be required to have its entire staff trained, despite the stipulations of the Food Regulation Act. When it comes to health permits, EHOs and PHIs still get the final say.
How to Register for Food Handling Courses in Edmonton
To register for a classroom or a on-line food handling course in Edmonton use the following contact information:
- Website Registration: Click Here for Food Safety Certification in Edmonton
- Telephone Number: 780-809-0829
- Email: info@firstaidcpredmonton.ca
Location Information:
Safe food handling = safe food products
If the food preparation process is safe, with proper infection control and sanitation, the risk for food contamination is very low to none. However, if the food handling process does not follow the concepts of food safety, the food products can become contaminated by microorganisms and chemicals – substances that can cause foodborne illness. Foodborne illnesses are varied but their symptoms typically include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and stomach cramps. This makes it difficult to diagnose an illness based on clinical symptoms; doctors will usually request a blood test. Most foodborne illnesses are self-limiting and resolve in a few days, but more severe ones need medical treatment (usually with antibiotics) or even hospitalization.
Pathogens are the common culprits for foodborne illnesses; they are infectious microorganisms that invade the body and cause gastrointestinal (and even systemic) symptoms. They are easily transmitted when food service workers don’t practice proper hand hygiene before touching food, or don’t wear proper protective gear (gloves and masks).
The most common pathogens that infect humans are:
- Norovirus
- Campylobacter spp.
- Clostridium perfringens
- Salmonella (non-typhoidal)
- Staphyloccocus aureus
By studying food safety and sanitation at Edmonton First Aid, you will learn how to prevent contamination of food and decrease the risk for foodborne illnesses in your area. Certificates you receive after training do not expire in Alberta, but you will be required to get updated training (at least) every five years.
Getting started: ORESOL
Oral rehydration solution or ORESOL is a solution made to restore lost fluids and electrolytes in dehydrated patients. It can be made at home or bought in pre-prepared mixtures. It can be made using one liter of water, eight teaspoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of salt.