Food Handler Certification and By-Law
The Food Handler Certification Program teaches food handlers the general principles of safe food handling to prevent foodborne illness.
Become a Certified Food Handler
To become a certified food handler, Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services offers two training courses taught by a Public Health inspector.
Contact
For more information:
- Call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or 1-888-505-6074
- Email Environmental Health
Food Handler Certification - Full Course
The Food Handler Certification Full Course is recommended for participants who have never been certified. The course is seven hours and taught in two sessions. It includes:
- Online copy of the Food Handler's Training Manual
- Six hours of instruction
- Two 15 minute breaks (one per day)
- One hour exam at the end of the second day
Cost: $62.15 per person
Courses are delivered online in real time. In-person courses will be added once available.
Register for the online Food Handler Certification - Full Course
Food Handler Certification - Refresher Course
The Food Handler Refresher Course is recommended for participants who have been previously certified and have reviewed the Food Handler's Training Manual before starting the course. The course is three and a half hours and includes:
- Online copy of the Food Handler's Training Manual
- Two hour review session
- 15 minute break
- One hour exam at the end
Cost: $25 per person
Courses are delivered online in real time. In-person courses will be added once available.
Register for the online Food Handler Certification - Refresher Course
More information
- Certification exam
Participants must show photo identification before writing the exam. Participants must achieve a mark of 70 per cent or above to pass the exam and become certified.
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Five year certification
After passing the exam, a Food Handler Training Certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for five years and meets the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care food safety training requirements. It is recognized by health units throughout Ontario.
After five years, you can recertify by completing the Food Handler Refresher Course.
If you would like a printed copy of your Food Handler Training Certificate, there is a $20 charge.
- Payment options and cancellation / rescheduling
Payment can be made by cash, cheque, debit, VISA or MasterCard. Make cheque payable to "Niagara Region Public Health'.
Payment must be received to complete your registration.
Full refunds are only given when notice is given at least 48 hours before the first session.
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Minimum requirements for online learning
To complete the online course(s), all learners must have:
- Regular access to a personal computer
- A strong Internet connection
- Basic computer skills
- A working camera and microphone for video and exam proctoring
By registering for this online course, you agree to the minimum requirements.
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Equivalent food handler certification courses
For a list of programs offered by other agencies and recognized by the Ministry of Health as meeting the minimum requirements for food handler training and certification, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
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Mandatory Food Handler Certification By-law
Establishments in Niagara must have at least:
- One food handler on the premises at all times while in operation with a current and valid food handler certificate
- One owner / operator with a current and valid food handler certificate
On request, establishments must show valid certificates (with photo identification) to Public Health.
Non-compliance with the Ontario Regulation 493/17 Food Premises and / or Mandatory Food Handler Certification By-law (78-2010) can result in a fine upon conviction.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
