Learning about food safety is not uncommon for people who work in food service or own a food business. Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care drafted a bylaw requiring all medium and high risk food establishments to have a certified food handler on duty at all times. The food handler has to be trained and certified by a provider approved by local health authorities. In Toronto, Toronto First Aid happens to work hand in hand with the health department; training credentials you receive from us will be valid not only in the city but in the entire province of Ontario. Register for courses with FOODSAFE in Toronto now.
Choosing a Training Program with FOODSAFE in Toronto
Food safety training is one of the most popular courses we offer to students. There are different levels of training, with different curriculum and program length. Depending on your needs, either as a food handler or simply as a person interested in food safety, the two programs will target different student audiences – below is a short introduction to the programs we have on food safety.
Level 1, Basic food safety training
A basic food safety training course is eight hours long. It can be completed in a single session over one day or two separate sessions over two days – it’s all up to you. Our classes normally run between 8 AM and 5 PM, the same with our office hours. The basic curriculum centers on introducing concepts and skills in food safety to the students. Except to learn about microbiology, foodborne illness, health, hygiene, and sanitation in the course.
Level 2, Advanced food safety training
To advanced into the second level of training (advanced food safety), the student has to complete and pass the first level food safety level. This second, advanced level runs a lot longer, exactly 16 hours over two days. Because we require students to complete level 1 first, this advanced level focuses more on management – the nitty gritty on running a food business. Expect to learn about health permits, personnel training, and general housekeeping and sanitation.
The Training Credential
Upon completing a training course, Hamilton First Aid awards trainees with a training credential – after passing the certification exam. Certification exams are scheduled during a separate day, in order to accommodate students who are self-studying (students who buy the workbooks and study on their own).
Refresher classes and certification exams
Training credentials from both levels of training are only valid for five years. In order to renew them for another five years, the student has to sign up for a refresher class – which is a course that focuses on the updates to food safety in the last five years as well as refreshing basic concepts. After taking this class, students have to sign up for another certification exam.
With approximately 4.5 million Canadians getting infected by foodborne illness in a year, food safety is as important as ever. By signing up for a food safety training program and FOODSAFE in Toronto, you are decreasing the risk of food contamination – not just in food establishments but also in your own homes. Sign up at Hamilton First Aid today!