Food Handling Certification in Canada - Food Handler Certificate

Candidates registered in a food safety or food handling certification will learn a variety of different material and skills. Each province has its own set of regulations and course content set by provincial standards. However, regardless of the certification title, all basic food safety and food handling certification course are almost identical.

This page will outline the typical course content of a basic 8 hour food safe course. These courses are designed to teach candidates proper storing, handling, preparing, sanitizing and serving techniques in a food preparing / serving workplace.

Food Handling Certification Courses

The following is the course curriculum of a food safety or food handler certification course:

Food Borne Illnesses

Candidates will learn about the common food borne illnesses, the environments that they thrive in, sources and preventative measures.

Microbiology

Candidates will receive a brief education in food microbiology. In order to have a understanding on how food borne illnesses and infections spread it is important to have a small background in microbiology.

Health and Hygiene

Proper health and hygiene are essential to preventing the spread of food borne illnesses. Candidates will learn how to maintain proper health and hygiene in the workplace.

Serving and Dispensing

Candidates will be aware of the food health hazards in serving and dispensing food. Candidates will learn proper techniques for food service and display.

Food Protection

Candidates will learn safe food preparation and handling procedures.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Clean and sanitized environments are essential when preparing, storing and handling food. Candidates will learn about dish washing facilities, cleaning techniques and proper sanitation and utensil and dish ware storage.

Receiving and Storage

Candidates will learn techniques and requirements in receiving and storing food including proper storage facilities and temperatures.

Candidates will cover all of the above mentioned topics and possibly more. Course curriculum is slightly different per province. After successful completion of the course candidates will receive a food safe or food handler certificate that meets provincial standards and regulations. Proper display of certification may be required for your province.