Canadian Food Safety Training: A Province-by-Province Analysis

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• Alberta Food Regulation Act according to the Alberta Public Health Act

• Alberta Food Retail and Food Services Code

• Alberta Dishwashing Standards

These laws require that food sold in Alberta is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Services Code.

Food Safety in Alberta is governed by:

• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

• Alberta Health Services

Permits and Licences

Most food businesses in Alberta require a permit to operate. An application for a permit must be made in writing to the regional health authority in the area where the business plans to operate. Permits are valid for one year and must be displayed in a place which is easily seen by customers.

ALBERTA FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Alberta’s Food Regulation (section 31) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete an Alberta approved Food Handler Certification course.

At a minimum, Alberta food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• If there are five or fewer Food Handlers (including waitstaff) working on the premises, then there must be at least one person with a valid Food Handler Certificate who works for the business. The person who holds the Food Handler Certificate is not required to be present.
• If there are six or more Food Handlers (including waitstaff) working on the premises, then at least one person must have a valid Food Handler Certificate. The person(s) who holds the Food Handler Certificate must be a member of management or hold a supervisory position and be present in the business.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is a legal requirement for many Alberta food workers, but it’s recommended to certify every staff member who handles food in a business.

Having the entire workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a food business is never the cause of food-borne illness outbreak.

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the Alberta Government.

Renewals

Food Handler Certification renewal is recommended every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

For food businesses that fail to meet Alberta’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the Food Handling Permit may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and company directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

In Alberta, inspection results are available to the public on the Alberta Health Services website.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• British Columbia Food Safety Act

• British Columbia Food Premises Regulation according to the Public Health Act

These laws require that food sold in B.C. is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Safety Act.

Food safety laws are governed by:

• British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)

• British Columbia Ministry of Health

Permits and Licences

All organizations that serve food must have a valid permit. These are obtained from regional health authorities and are valid for one year.

BRITISH COLUMBIA FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

British Columbia’s Food Premises Regulation (section 10) under the Public Health Act requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete a British Columbia approved food safety training course.

At a minimum, food businesses in British Columbia must comply with the following legislation:

• Every operator of a food business must hold an approved food safety training certificate.

• Whenever the operator of a food business is absent from the premises, at least one employee must be present who holds an approved food safety training certificate.

Most special events, temporary food establishments and community events normally require a Food Premises Operating permit and must also follow regulatory requirements.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is a legal requirement for many British Columbia food workers, but it’s recommended to certify every staff member who handles food in a business.

Having the entire workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a food business is never the cause of food-borne illness outbreak.

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the British Columbia Government.

Renewals

Food Safety Certification requires renewal every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a B.C. business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet British Columbia’s food safety training requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the Health Operating Permit may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and company directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

In B.C., inspection results are available to the public on the B.C. health services websites.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• Manitoba Food and Food Handling Establishments Regulation under the Public Health Act

• Manitoba Water Supplies Regulation under the Public Health Act

• City of Winnipeg Food Safety Establishment By-Laws

These laws require that food sold in Manitoba is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Handling Regulations.

Provincial food safety laws are governed by:

• Manitoba Public Health

• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Permits and Licences

Most food businesses in Manitoba require a permit to operate. These permits expire on the 31st of March every year.

MANITOBA FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Food Businesses in Manitoba are required to follow the food safety standards in the Manitoba Food and Food Handling Establishments Regulation, under the Public Health Act.

Winnipeg Food Safety Legislation

In addition to provincial laws, the City of Winnipeg has additional food safety training requirements.

Winnipeg’s Food Safety By-Law (Number 5160/89, Sections 5.6, 5.7, 5.8) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete an approved food safety training course.

At a minimum, Winnipeg food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• To operate a food business, the person in charge must successfully complete an approved Food Handler Certification training program.

• When there are more than five employees on duty at one time, one person in charge who has Food Handler Certification must be present during all operating hours.

• The on-duty person in charge shall post their Food Handler Certificate in a prominent place in the food service establishment.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved by the Manitoba Government.

Renewals

Food Handler Certification renewal is recommended every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Manitoba business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Manitoba’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the Food Handling Establishment Permit may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

Information about convictions and closures are available to the public on the Manitoba provincial website.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• New Brunswick Public Health Act

• New Brunswick Food Premises Regulations under the Public Health Act

These laws require that food sold in New Brunswick is safe and suitable for human consumption and meet the requirements of the Food Premises Regulations.

Food safety in New Brunswick is enforced by the New Brunswick Health Protection Services division.

Permits and Licences

Food premises in New Brunswick require a food premises licence.

A food premises licence is issued by the New Brunswick Health Protection Services division and expires on March 31 of each year, unless it is suspended or revoked.

NEW BRUNSWICK FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

In New Brunswick, a licensee who operates a Class 4 food premises must ensure:

• the manager of the food premises holds a valid Food Handler certificate

• there is at least one certified Food Handler present in food preparation areas at all times that food is being prepared.

A Class 4 food premises is defined as a place where:

• food is prepared or processed without killing or pasteurizing

• meat or fish is being prepared or processed without thermal processing

• food is for sale and is consumed on or off the premises but is not distributed wholesale

New Brunswick food premises must comply with section 39 of the New Brunswick Food Premises Regulation.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the New Brunswick Government.

Renewals

Food Safety Certification renewal is recommended every five years.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by Newfoundland and Labrador Food Premises Regulations under the Food Premises Act.

These laws require that food sold in Newfoundland and Labrador is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards.

Food safety in Newfoundland and Labrador is governed by Service NL.

Permits and Licences

To operate a food business in Newfoundland and Labrador, food business operators must have a Food Establishment Licence.

Licences are issued by the Government Service Centre in the Department of Health and Community Services and they do not expire.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Food Premises Regulations under the Food Premises Act requires food businesses
to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete a Food Handler Certification course approved by the NL Department of Health and Community Services (HCS).

At a minimum, food business operators must have at least one employee on their premises during all hours of operation who has completed Food Handler Certification training.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is a legal requirement for many Newfoundland and Labrador food workers, but it’s recommended to certify every staff member who handles food in a business.

Having the entire workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a food business is never the cause of food-borne illness outbreak.

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the NL Department of Health and Community Services (HCS).

Renewals

Food safety training certificates in Newfoundland and Labrador must be current and valid, in accordance with provincial laws. Food safety certificates require renewal every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Newfoundland and Labrador business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Newfoundland and Labrador’s food safety training requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Licence

For serious offences, the Food Establishment Licence may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

In Newfoundland and Labrador, inspection results are available to the public.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

TERRITORIAL LAWS

Territorial food safety laws are set by Northwest Territories Food Establishment Safety Regulations under the Public Health Act.

These laws require that food sold in NWT is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Establishment Safety Regulations.

Territorial food safety laws are enforced by the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services.

Permits and Licences

All food establishments in NWT must have a valid Food Establishment Permit posted in order to operate.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

NWT Food Establishment Safety Regulations (section 37) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

At a minimum, Northwest Territories food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• The operator of a food business is required to have Food Handler Certification. If the operator is not present, one employee present is required to have Food Handler Certification.
• Upon inspection, the operator or employee is required to produce their Food Handler Certificate(s).

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the NWT Government.

Renewals

Food Safety Certification renewal is recommended every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Northwest Territory business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Northwest Territories’ food safety training requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the Food Establishment Permit may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

Inspection results are available to the public on the NWT Department of Health website.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• Nova Scotia Food Safety Regulations

• Nova Scotia Health Protection Act

• Nova Scotia Food Retail and Food Services Code

These laws require that food sold in Nova Scotia is safe and suitable for human consumption
and meets all standards set out in the Health Protection Act.

Provincial food safety laws are enforced by the Nova Scotia Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement Division within the Department of Environment.

Permits and Licences

In Nova Scotia, it’s illegal to establish or operate a food business without a permit.

Permits are issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and need to be renewed every year.

NOVA SCOTIA FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Nova Scotia’s Food Safety Regulations (section 28) under the Health Protection Act requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete a Nova Scotia approved Food Handler training course.

At a minimum, Nova Scotia food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• The operator of a food business must successfully complete a food safety training course recognized by the Nova Scotia Government.

• If the operator is absent from the premises, another staff member must be present who has completed a recognized course - there must be a trained person on the premises at all times.

• Any person in a food establishment that comes into contact with food must:

  • be trained in food safety to a level appropriate to the activity that the person performs
  • provide confirmation of food safety training to an Inspector on request

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is a legal requirement for many Nova Scotia food workers, but it’s recommended to certify every staff member who handles food in a business.

Having the entire workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a food business is never the cause of food-borne illness outbreak.

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the Nova Scotia Government.

Renewals

Food Handler Certification requires renewal every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Nova Scotia business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Nova Scotia’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the Food Establishment Permit may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

Inspection results are available to the public on the Nova Scotia provincial website.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

TERRITORIAL LAWS

Territorial food safety laws are set by Nunavut’s Public Health Act.

Nunavut’s Public Health Act (Part 4, Section 23.3) states that any person who distributes, sells or serves food to the public, an institution or a camp must provide food that’s safe for human consumption by:

• maintaining the premises and transport vehicles under clean and sanitary conditions

• taking reasonable measures to prevent contamination of the food

• taking reasonable measures to protect the public from other food-related health hazards

Businesses or people who prepare or sell country food should follow the guidelines in “Serving Country Food in Government- Funded Facilities and Community Programs.”

These guidelines were created by the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Food Security Coalition.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is best practice for food businesses. It’s recommended to certify anyone that handles food in a business.

Having the workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps to meet food safety legal requirements in areas such as:

• time and temperature control

• employee hygiene

• food contamination

• cleaning and sanitizing

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Nunavut’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Licence

For serious offences, the business licence may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• Ontario Food Premises Regulation under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act

• Ontario Food Safety and Quality Act

These laws require that food sold in Ontario is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Ontario Food Premises Regulations.

Food safety in Ontario is governed by local health authorities.

ONTARIO FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Ontario’s Food Premises Regulations (section 32) under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete an Ontario approved Food Handler Certification course.

At a minimum, food business operators must have at least one employee on their premises during all hours of operation who has completed Food Handler Certification training.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is a legal requirement for many Ontario food workers, but it’s recommended to certify every staff member who handles food in a business.

Having the entire workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a food business is never the cause of food-borne illness outbreak.

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the Ontario Government.

Renewals

In Ontario, Food Handler Certification renewal is required every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of an Ontario business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Ontario’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the business licence may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and company directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

Inspection results are available to the public on local health authority websites.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by Prince Edward Island Food Premises Regulations under the Public Health Act.

These laws require that food sold in PEI is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Premises Regulations.

Provincial food safety laws are enforced by Prince Edward Island Environmental Health.

Permits and Licences

In order to operate a food business in Prince Edward Island, owners must hold a valid licence.

Licences are issued by the Chief Public Health Office and need to be renewed on March 31st every year.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Prince Edward Island’s Food Premises Regulation (section 24) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

At a minimum, Prince Edward Island food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• The business licence holder is required to complete a Food Handler Certification course.

• When the licence holder is absent from the business, at least one employee with Food Handler Certification is present.

• Any person who comes into contact with food or food contact surfaces is required to receive food safety training or instruction.

• Food Handler Certificates need to be produced for public health officials during an inspection.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the PEI Government.

Renewals

Food Safety Certification requires renewal every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Prince Edward Island business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet PEI’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Licence

For serious offences, the Licence to Operate a Food Premises may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

Inspection results are available to the public on the PEI provincial website.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by Quebec’s Food Regulations under the Food Products Act.

These laws require that food sold in Quebec is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Products Act.

Food safety in Quebec is governed by The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ).

Permits and Licences

Most food businesses require a business licence (Permis de restauration et de vente au détail). This can be obtained through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

QUEBEC FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Quebec’s Food Regulation (sections 1.3.1.2.1 and 2.2.4) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler, Food Establishment Manager and tailored training.

At a minimum, Quebec food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• The operator of a food business is required to have Food Establishment Manager training before applying for a business licence.

• One employee or 10% of the operator’s workforce is required to have Food Handler training.

• The operator is required to have a record of training certificates for all current employees and past employees who have worked in the last 12 months.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the Quebec Government.

Renewals

Food Handler Certification requires renewal every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Quebec business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Quebec’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Licence

For serious offences, the food business licence may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

In Quebec, inspection results are available online for the public to review and share.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

PROVINCIAL LAWS

Provincial food safety laws are set by:

• Saskatchewan Food Safety Regulations

• Saskatchewan Public Eating Establishment Standards

These laws require that food sold in Saskatchewan is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Safety Regulations.

Provincial food safety laws are governed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Permits and Licences

In Saskatchewan, most food businesses require a licence to operate.

Licences are issued by the Local Health Authority, and need to be renewed every 2 years. The licence must be displayed in a place where it can be easily seen by customers.

SASKATCHEWAN FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Saskatchewan’s Food Safety Regulations (division 3, section 26) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

To receive Food Handler Certification, Food Handlers are required to complete a Saskatchewan approved food safety training course.

At a minimum, Saskatchewan food businesses must comply with the following legislation:

• A person who has completed an approved food safety training course must be on the premises of a food business whenever food is being prepared or served.

• Local authorities may require operators or additional employees to complete an approved food safety training course if the facility is deemed to be operating in a way that may endanger public health.

• The operator of a food business must ensure that all employees are adequately trained in food safety.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Food Handler Certification is a legal requirement for many Saskatchewan food workers, but it’s recommended to certify every staff member who handles food in a business.

Having the entire workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a food business is never the cause of food-borne illness outbreak.

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is approved and accepted by the Saskatchewan Government.

Renewals

Food Safety Certification renewal is recommended every five years.

Avoid Fines

Businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements are at the risk of being fined.

If a Certified Food Handler unexpectedly resigns or is not present during an inspection of a Saskatchewan business, Inspectors may choose to penalize that business.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Saskatchewan’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Licence

For serious offences, the business licence may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

Inspection results are available to the public on the ‘Inspection InSite’ website.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

TERRITORIAL LAWS

Territorial food safety laws are set by:

• Yukon Public Health Act

• Yukon Food Retail and Food Services Code

• Donation of Food Act

These laws require that food sold in the Yukon is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards.

Permits and Licences

To legally operate a food business in Yukon, owners must obtain a relevant permit.

Permits are issued by Yukon Environmental Services and determine the type of food that may be served and how it’s prepared.

YUKON FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

Yukon’s Food Retail and Food Services Code (section 6) states that a food businesses operator should obtain government-approved Food Handler Certification and employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification.

At a minimum, Yukon food businesses should comply with the following legislation:

• All employees must be trained in food hygiene and be able to handle food in a safe and sanitary manner.

• For some managers/operators, training in a recognised food safety course may be mandatory.

• Operators should promote food safety education through ongoing training, which may include additional instruction, on-the-job training, food safety certification from a recognized program provider, and employee meetings.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The CIFS Food Handler Certification course is suitable for training Food Handlers in the Yukon.

Having the workforce complete a Food Handler Certification course helps ensure that a business is never the cause of a food-borne illness outbreak.

Renewals

Food Handler Certification should be renewed every five years.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY?

If a food business fails to meet Yukon’s food safety requirements, the consequences are severe.

Cancelled Permit

For serious offences, the Permit to Operate a Food Business may be suspended or revoked, closing the business immediately.

Significant Fines

Each offence committed may result in fines totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecution

For serious breaches, employees, proprietors, managers and directors may be prosecuted.

Public Record

In the Yukon, inspection results are available to the public.

Inventory Confiscation

When public health is at risk, the food business may have its food seized and destroyed.

Brand and Reputation Damage

Food businesses may struggle to recover their reputation if the media reports a food safety incident.

MANAGE YOUR FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION WITH EASE

At CIFS, we help busy food businesses by taking the complexity and confusion out of Food Handler Certification.

As a Business Account client, you can quickly and easily:

• enrol multiple employees in courses
• get priority support
• opt for monthly invoicing

The smart way for Canadian businesses and organizations to manage employee training and ensure compliance with food safety laws.

BENEFITS OF A CIFS BUSINESS ACCOUNT

Have your own Account Manager

Get a dedicated Account Manager who knows you and your staff, and understands the needs of your business.

Easily manage your business

Our online portal makes it quick and easy to bulk enrol employees, review invoices and more.

Get the support you need

Our qualified trainers are here to support your employees by phone or email whenever they need help.

Be compliant and skilled at food safety

Our course meets all provincial and federal requirements and delivers all the training your employees need.

Training reminders and notifications

Ensure employees stay on top of their training with email and SMS course reminder notifications.

Ongoing learning as a CIFS Member

A complimentary CIFS Membership is provided with every course registration equipping your team with additional food safety resources, checklists and more.

Inspector-ready credentials

Graduates will receive a certificate that’s recognized and accepted by Health Inspectors across Canada.

Opt for simple monthly billing

CIFS provides monthly billing options for approved corporate clients - a single invoice for all employees enrolled over a 30-day period.

CONTACT US

Contact us today to set up a business account and start enrolling employees.

• Call 1 800 505 9145
• Visit www.foodsafety.ca
• Email [email protected]