Course overview
This course is designed to ensure food service establishments are in compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation. Part VI, Section 32 of the Regulation states that every operator of a food service premise shall ensure that there is at least one food handler or supervisor on the premise who has completed food handler training during every hour in which the premise is operating. GEPH also recommends all employees of food service establishments complete this course.
In Ontario, food handler training is provided by:
- Local public health units or
- Certain approved commercial providers
This course is based on the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care – Public Health Division, September 2018 manual Food Safety: A Guide for Ontario’s Foodhandlers and the Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17.
Students are required to achieve 70% to pass the exam. This certificate is valid for five years and is recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other Health Units in Ontario. If unsuccessful in achieving the minimum of 70%, the participant will be allowed one re-write free of charge.
Online registration for the Food Safety Course can be paid via credit card.
Students can come to one of Grand Erie Public Health’s offices, located in Brantford, Caledonia, and Simcoe, to register for the course in person if they choose not to register online. Registration can take place up to one day before the course is scheduled to occur. They can also pick up the print version of the Food Safety Manual ahead of the course date. The manual is included in the course fee and will be given to students on the day of the course, if not picked up in advance.
Who should take this course
This course is open to everyone — no prior experience required. It’s especially relevant for:
- Restaurant, café, and food truck staff
- Owners and managers of food premises
- Grocery, deli, and bakery employees
- Long-term care and child care kitchen staff
- Vendors at farmers’ markets and events
- Anyone needing certification for work
What you'll learn
Duration & Format
One full day
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., including a lunch break and the certification exam.
20 seats
Textbook, food safety magnets, pencil, probe thermometer, fridge thermometer, exam booklet, exam answersheet and course evaluation sheet.
50 questions multiple choice. 70% or higher is required to pass.
Available dates
Choose a session below to register.
Pricing
$50 per person, which includes your course manual, all materials, and the certification exam. Payment is collected at the time of registration; receipts are issued by email.
Classes outside of the schedule and off-site can be booked but must have a minimum of 15 students and paid in advance. We partner with SOAR so that accommodations can be met for students upon request.
Refund Policy:
Refunds can be issued via cheque if cancelled at least one week before the class.
Cancellation:
Please note that if we do not meet the minimum number of attendees, GEPH reserves the right to cancel in-person courses and exams
How to register
Review the available sessions above and note the location and time.
Classes outside of the schedule and off-site can be booked but must have a minimum of 15 students and paid in advance. We partner with SOAR so that accommodations can be met for students upon request.
The Food Handlers Certification Program is taught in English only. Upon request, exams can be provided in French, Chinese, Arabic, Punjabi, Spanish and Russian.
Select “Register” to open our secure registration system, enter your details, and pay the $50 fee.
You’ll receive an email confirmation with the address, parking details, and what to bring.
Come to your session, complete the course and exam, and receive your certificate on passing.