Food Handler Training

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. 

The HKPR District Health Unit offers food handler training courses, including in-person and online learning opportunities. Food handler courses teach participants how to handle and prepare food safely, which is a regulatory requirement under the Food Premises Regulation. The Food Handler Certification is valid for five years.

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