Safe Food Handling Courses

According to Ontario Food Premise Reg. 493, all food premises, such as restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias etc., are required to have a certified safe food handler on-site while food is being served.

How do I become a certified food handler?

There are several courses and options available online. The Ministry of Health provides a list of accredited courses available to food handlers. Once you complete the course and pass a test, you will get a Food Handler Training Certification that will be valid for 5 years.

During the course, you will learn:

  • Role of the Board of Health
  • Public health legislation and regulations
  • Causes of foodborne illness and outbreaks (microbiological, physical, and chemical)
  • Outline of food safety management principles (including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) based principles)
  • Safe food handling, preparation, and storage (including basic microbiology, safe food supplies, and adverse reactions to food)
  • Food handler hygiene
  • Food premises sanitation, design, and maintenance
  • Prevention of food allergies, incidents and response

Course options

Please see the list of certification course options below, or contact us at 1-888-221-2133 or email us for more information. 

Food handler course | Stratford | March 28, 2023 | Class FULL

In-person food handler course | Class now FULL

Date and location

Tuesday March 28, 2023 | 9:30AM-4:30PM

Parlor Inn | 101 Wellington St. Stratford N5A 2L4

Cost

$45 (must be paid in advance to confirm registration)

To register:

Call 1-888-221-2133 ext 2069

Payment can be made by cash, cheque (payable to Huron Perth Public Health), credit card, or E-transfer
Food handler course | St. Helens | April 27, 2023 | Class FULL

In-person food handler course | Class now FULL

Date and location

Thursday April 27, 2023  | 9:30AM-4:30PM

St. Helens Hall | 85656 St. Helens Line Lucknow N0G 2H0

No refreshments available. Bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks.

Cost

$45 for course (must be paid in advance to confirm registration)

$3 for hall rental (payable to the hall on the day of the course)

To register:

Call 1-888-221-2133 ext 2069

Payment can be made by cash, cheque (payable to Huron Perth Public Health), credit card, or E-transfer

Course booklets are available for pick-up from the HPPH Clinton office before the course, or will be provided the day of the course.
 Approved external providers
The Ministry of Health has a list of approved external providers who meet the requirements of certified safe food handler training. Costs vary.
 In-Good Hands Online Course and exam
  • Fifteen online modules plus exam available at www.ingoodhands.ca. Cost varies. 
  • Food Handling Certificate upon successful completion of exam, valid for five years, and recognized by all Ontario health units
  • Certificate and wallet card

Self-study Option

Certification can be obtained through a self-study method using the Ministry of Health Approved manual, Food Safety: A Guide for Ontario's Food Handlers [PDF]. Currently walk-in exams are not available. Registration is required. For more information on the self-study option, or to complete your exam, email us or call 1-888-221-2133.