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 |
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All 2023 in-person food handler certification courses are now available for registration Food Handler Certification courses are offered at our St. Thomas site, Woodstock site, and various other locations. This course is facilitated by our certified Public Health Inspectors.
Courses are offered in two formats:
Upcoming Course Dates and Locations St Thomas Site - located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON
Woodstock Site – located at 410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON
Malahide Community Place - located at 12105 Whittaker Rd, Springfield
Tillsonburg – location to be determined
Please click here to start registration. High School Student Courses (offered on scheduled PD Days) Free courses are available for current high school students. Student IDs must be shown as proof. St Thomas Site - located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON
Woodstock Site – located at 410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON
Please click here to start registration DISCLAMER As Southwestern Public Health is following the recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health for large gatherings, we will be adhering to the social distancing and/or masking protocol until further notice. This means that social distancing and/or masking will be required during the course. |
Online Courses |
Safe Check Food Safety Certification Course
In Good Hands
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Self-Study and Certification Challenge Exams |
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SWPH will proctor examinations for individuals who wish to challenge the exam. In order to challenge the exam, a candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria.
Please note that if a candidate fails to pass the exam, a repeat attempt is not permitted until the candidate completes an approved course. Exams are offered every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Woodstock site. Please contact 519-421-9901 x 3520 to reserve.Exams are offered every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the St. Thomas site. Please contact 519-631-9900 x 1258 to reserve. Cost of the exam is $15.00 ($13.27 plus HST) Download and study the free Provincial Food Handler Training Manual which is provided free by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). As Southwestern Public Health is following the recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health for large gatherings, we will be adhering to the social distancing and/or masking protocol until further notice. This means that social distancing and/or masking will be required during the course. |
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.