Food Safety First: The Importance of the Ontario Food Handler Certificate
Every year, hundreds of incidents of foodborne disease are recorded in Ontario, many of which are linked to hazardous food handling practices. Food handlers play an essential role in the prevention of food-borne illness. With the Ontario Food Safety and food safety standards, they may do all they can to protect consumers’ well-being.
Food safety training is mandated by provincial law since it plays a key role in lowering these risks. Obtaining a food handling certification in Ontario is required for most food industry personnel to ensure they have the knowledge needed to maintain the standards for food safety.
To work as a Food Handler in the province, you must complete the Ontario Food Service Worker certificate. In this blog post, we will walk you through Ontario’s food safety requirements, how to get food certification in Ontario, career prospects, and the approved Ontario safe food handling course.
Ontario Food Handler Certificate
The Food Premises Regulations (section 32) under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act require food establishments to hire Food Handler Certified employees.
To obtain Food Handler Certification, food handlers must finish an Ontario-approved course. Food business operators must have at least one employee on-site at all times who has completed Food Handler Certification training.
Laws and Rules You Should Comply With
Restaurants, as well as other food companies and organizations in Ontario, must adhere to federal and provincial food safety legislation. Below is a thorough summary of these laws.
As a food business owner or manager, you must comply with:
- Federal government food safety laws
- Local Municipal Legislation
- Ontario's provincial food safety laws
Failure to comply with Ontario food safety standards may result in a fine, prosecution, or potentially the closure of your firm.
If you are considering getting your food handler certificate in Ontario but are unsure where to begin, here is the step-by-step procedure. Mentioned below is the detailed breakdown:
- Ontario Food Premises Regulation under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act
- Ontario Food Safety and Quality Act
These regulations mandate that food sold in Ontario be safe and fit for human consumption and that it fulfill all of the standards outlined in the Ontario Food Premises Regulations.
Another essential legislative requirement for the Ontario Food Handler Certificate is that it be renewed every five years. Compliance with all federal and provincial food safety legislation regarding food health hazards is critical for all employees.
Having your employees complete a Food Handler Certification training helps ensure that your company is never the cause of food poisoning.
Ontario Food Safety Inspections
Food safety is monitored throughout Ontario by provincial governments, municipalities, and regional health organizations. Be ready for inspections by inspectors before and after your firm begins, which should happen every four to six months. Inspectors will ask you about your Ontario Food Handler certificate and Food Safety Plan.
They have the right to:
- Enter your business without notice
- Examine areas and equipment
- Collect food samples
- Issue warnings and fines
Food businesses and brands that do not possess or have expired certifications are considered noncompliant with Ontario’s federal and provincial food safety rules.
The following are the major implications for them:
Career Prospects for Certified Food Handlers
- Issue of a warning notice
- Immediate business shutdown
- Prosecution
- Inventory confiscation
- Inclusion of your name and your brand's name in public documents
- License cancellation
- Damage to your and your brand's reputation
A professional food safety handling certificate in Ontario is not only required for anyone who engages in food handling; it is also a chance to stand out in this competitive industry by improving your resume, showcasing your commitment, and widening your skill set. Becoming a certified food handler is the first step in your profession and an investment in your long-term goals.
The Ontario Food Handler Certificate course is for persons who work in food service industries such as:
- Restaurants
- Catering services
- Food stores
- Home-based food businesses (preparing moderate or high-risk foods)
- Banquet halls
- Child care centers
- Long-term care homes
If you would like to work in one of these settings, you can also take the Ontario Safe Food Handling course. Here are some lucrative career options for you:
- Food Safety Auditor
- Food Packaging Specialist
- Food Safety Inspector
- Food Safety Trainer
- Food Quality Analyst
- Food Safety Officer
- Food Safety Consultant
- Food Safety Researcher
- Safe Quality Food Standard Coordinator
- Food Safety Compliance Officer
- Third-Party Food Safety Auditor
- Program Quality Manager
- HACCP Coordinator
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Cook, Butcher, Chef, Baker, Sommelier
- Restaurant Manager
- Food Processing Specialist
- Product Testing Expert
How to Get Food Handler Certificate in Ontario
If you are considering getting your food handler certificate in Ontario but are unsure where to begin, here is the step-by-step procedure. Mentioned below is the detailed breakdown:
Step 1: Choose an Approved Course
If you’re new to the industry, however, it can be challenging to figure out the best training for you. Choose an approved Ontario food handler certificate course that meets provincial food safety regulations to get your food handler certificate.
To cater to this, ActiCert provides a rich curriculum of the official food handler certificate required in Ontario that addresses every aspect of food safety. The course is recognized by the Ministry of Health, Ontario. It also has the advantages of an online program where you can study at your own pace.
Step 2: Complete the Course
After choosing an approved course, you need to enroll and complete the training that comes with it. Its curriculum includes-
- Legal Requirements
- Food Contamination (Sources and Prevention)
- Food-borne Illness
- Basic Microbiology and Factors Affecting Microbial Growth
- Food Safety Management
- Time/Temperature Controls for Potentially Hazardous Foods
- Displaying, Serving/Dispensing, and Discarding
- Facility and Equipment
- Receiving and Storage
- Personal Hygiene
- Cleaning and Sanitization
This training gives you a thorough understanding and knowledge of food safety and handling to work confidently in the crucial aspects, including food storage, preparation, cooking, and service, satisfying food safety regulations.
Step 3: Pass The Exam
At the end of training sessions, there will be an examination that you need to pass to get your certification. It is fifty minutes long and has fifty multiple-choice questions that cover important course concepts. Some people may find this Ontario food handlers certificate exam difficult or frightening. Nonetheless, you can take your test confidently and pass it if you prepare adequately.
Step 4: Receive Your Certification
You must score 35 out of 70(70%) to pass the examination. Successful candidates will receive a certificate immediately upon passing the exam. You will get a maximum of two attempts to pass the examination.
Ontario Approved Food Handler Certification Course
In Ontario, all food establishments must have a certified safe food handler on duty at all times. Acticert’s food handler course has been certified by the Ontario Ministry of Health to meet the training criteria for certification as a safe food handler in Ontario.
This comprehensive training and certification program equips learners with a thorough understanding of food safety and handling standards. Participants who complete the required exams will receive the official Ontario Food Handler certificate.
Why Choose ActiCert?
- Ministry Approved: Our food handling course certificates are recognized by the Ministry of Health, Ontario, and are accepted by all boards of health within this province, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Easy to Use Online Platform: The online food handlers certificate Ontario is user-friendly and allows you to go through modules one after the other without hassle.
- Fast Certification Process: Thanks to our easy procedure, you can fast-track your training and earn your certificate hassle-free.
- Reasonably priced: We provide competitive prices without sacrificing quality.
- Outstanding Customer Support: If you have questions or need help during your course, choose us. Our support team will be ready to support you.
Food Handler Certificate Ontario: Cost & More
ActiCert offers multiple flexible options to complete the food handler certificate required in Ontario. Details of different session types are discussed below:
- In-Class Instructor-led Sessions:
The sessions are held at ActiCert premises across Ontario from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including exam time. The cost for this module is CA$ 50.00.
- Online Instructor-led Sessions:
Classes are available through Microsoft Teams, allowing applicants to attend this course from their homes. Sessions are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and cost CA$ 40.00.
- Self-Paced Video Training Course:
Register and purchase the online module to learn at your own pace. The course consists of instructional videos, review questions, and a final exam to achieve certification. The cost for this module is CA$ 30.00.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best Ontario food handler certificate?
While Canada offers a variety of approved certificates, most people seek the Food Handler Certificate from a recognized provider such as ActiCert. Numerous ministries support and appreciate our certification course as one of the best options, with a comprehensive curriculum.
2. How many questions are on the food handlers certificate exam?
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions addressing various food safety practice concepts. The ActiCert food handler certification exam is 50 minutes in duration and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A passing score of 35 out of 50 (70%) is required to pass.
3. How long does a food handler certificate last?
The ActiCert Food Safety certificate, like most other food handler certificates, is valid for five years from the date of issue. However, the industry standard may vary, so double-check.
4. What if I do not pass the Ontario Food Handlers Certificate exam the first time?
Don’t worry. ActiCert enables a maximum of two attempts to pass the exam. You will have access to study materials to help with your future attempts.
5. How do I renew my food handling certificate?
When it comes to renewing your food handling certificate, you’ll need to take the course again. This is to ensure that food workers maintain their abilities and are up to date on current food safety regulations.
Take the Next Step to Get the Ontario Food Handler Certificate
ActiCert makes obtaining a Food Handler Certificate in Ontario simple and stress-free. After completing the course, you will have the skills to identify food safety hazards, understand how they arise, and prevent them from affecting public health: all while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
Don’t wait to take the next step in your career. Choose Acticert for your Ontario food handler certificate and move towards achieving your goals. If you wish to explore more about this course, then here’s a quick link to the official website: https://acticert.com/food-handler-certificate/. For further assistance, feel free to call +1 (905) 487 7043 or email info@acticert.com.