Food Handler Certification
All food premises, including special event vendors, are required to have at least one food handler onsite during every hour of operation. It is recommended that anyone working in the food industry obtain Food Handler Certification.
Together with community partners, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) offers in-person, online, and/or self-study (exam only) Food Handler Certification courses to residents of Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.
Register for a Food Handler Certification course
In-Person Courses |
Please note that all in-person food handler certification courses and exams are currently suspended due to COVID-19. St. Thomas SiteFood Handler Certification courses are offered at our St. Thomas site located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON. This course is facilitated by one of our certified Public Health Inspectors.
Woodstock SiteThis course is run regularly in partnership with Fanshawe College and is facilitated by a certified Public Health Inspector. The course is held over two evenings (5pm to 9pm) and is offered in both Woodstock and Tillsonburg. Participants complete the certification exam at the end of the course.
Re-certificationFood Handler Certifications expire after 5 years; therefore, individuals who continue to work in the food industry will need to get re-certified to maintain their certification. The in-person re-certification course is held during one evening (5pm to 9pm) at the Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus.
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Online Courses |
Safe Check Food Safety Certification Course
In Good Hands
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Self-Study and Certification (Exam Only) |
Please note that all in-person food handler certification courses and exams are currently suspended due to COVID-19.
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Other programs recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care |
To Register: Call London Training Centre 519 685-4331 |
What will I learn during the Food Handler Certification course?
During the Food Handler Certification course, students will learn:
- The role of the Public Health Inspector and Public Health legislation
- About bacteria that can cause illness
- How to prevent foodborne illness
- Personal hygiene, premises sanitation, and pest control practices within food premises
- Food allergens and food recalls
Accommodation
If you require accommodation for your in-person course or exam, or if you would like to write the exam in French or Chinese (all in-person courses are taught in English), please contact us at 1-800-922-0096.
Please note that SWPH reserves the right to cancel exams and in-person courses. SWPH does not provide Smart Serve certification. For additional information on Smart Serve certification please visit www.smartserve.ca.