Upskill and and advance in your career
If you work in the food industry, your employer is required to employ Certified Food Handlers.
This means that you can boost your value as an employee and improve your job prospects by completing Food Handler Certification training.
You'll also get the skills and knowledge you need to prevent a serious food safety incident in your workplace.
What you should know about Food Handler Certification
Food Handler Certification is required by law
Under federal and provincial laws, food businesses and related organizations must employ Certified Food Handlers or certify their staff.
Training requirements differ depending on the province or territory the business is located in. In general, food businesses are required to have at least one Certified Food Handler on duty during all hours of operation of the business.
During a health inspection, local Inspectors will check to confirm that the business has met these obligations.
It's important to choose the right course
Not all certification courses are created equal. In order for your qualification to be valid, it must be delivered by a government-approved provider.
Some providers are only approved in certain provinces but not others, so it's important to ensure you're choosing the course that's best for you.
In most provinces and territories, Food Handler certificates expire after five years, so make sure your certificate is up-to-date.
CIFS is an approved provider in all provinces and territories across Canada. Learn more about CIFS Food Handler Certification.
Why food safety should be your top priority
Some of the worst food poisoning outbreaks have occurred from simple mistakes such as someone not washing their hands properly. Here are a few reasons why you need to make food safety your top priority:
Food poisoning isn't just an upset stomach
Millions of Canadians get food poisoning every year; more than 30,000 Canadians are hospitalized and hundreds of people die.
You hold their safety in your hands
When you prepare or serve food to someone, their health is in your hands. You have a responsibility to protect them from food-borne illness.
You'll impress your employer
When your employer knows that you're protecting their customers and business, you'll get more shifts and more opportunities.
You influence the behaviour of others
If you've been at your job for a while, new employees will follow your lead. Your actions and behaviour can set the standard for everyone in the workplace.
How to choose the right course for you
Ensure your training is government-approved
CIFS is government-approved and accepted by Health Inspectors everywhere in Canada, so your qualification is valid wherever you go.
Beware of hidden fees
With CIFS, there are no hidden fees. Your course, course materials and final exam are all included in the course price.
Choose a course that works with your busy schedule
The CIFS online course is a flexible, convenient and affordable option for those completing food safety training.
Get more than just a course
When you register for the CIFS course, you get 12 months of free CIFS Membership, giving you access to our massive library of additional resources.
