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Food handler training and certification program

Become a Ministry of Health certified food handler!

Do you work in the food service industry? Then you will want to learn the safe way to prepare food and get your staff certified as a food handler.

If you work in a restaurant, child care or long-term care facility, or if you just want to learn more about food safety, this one-day course is designed to meet your needs.

What are the topics covered?

The course meets the requirements for food safety training as set out by the Ministry of Health.

Topics covered include:

As an owner or operator, why should my staff be certified food handlers?

The Ministry of Health requires that all food premises have at least one certified food handler present at the establishment during all hours of operation. It is important to have more than one staff certified to ensure this regulatory requirement is met.

The course begins with a brief introduction to food safety and speaks to the legislation that enforces food safety standards in Canada and in Ontario. Topics are relevant to your food premises and all staff working within.

Certification information

Individuals will be certified upon successful completion of the course and exam. A successful pass rate is 70%.

The Certificate in Food Handler Training is accepted and recognized by all public health units across Ontario. The certificate expires five years after the date of completion of the course and exam.

Course details

2024 schedule:

French course dates:

All classes will take place at Public Health Sudbury & Districts located at 1300 Paris Street, in Sudbury, Ontario. Start time is 9:30 a.m. End time may vary; however, participants should be prepared to attend until as late as 4 p.m. The cost is $25 per person.

To register, please contact us or visit any of our office locations.

Are there external providers from whom I can obtain food handler training and certification?

The Ministry of Health recognizes organizations that offer online and in-person food handler training and certification.

The programs listed on the Ministry of Health website are those that have applied and successfully been recognized as meeting the minimum requirements for food handler training and certification. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will also accept certifications issued by any other public health unit in Ontario including the “In Good Hands” course offered by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. For more information about this course, the cost, or to register, visit In Good Hands.

Please note, that some of the approved Ministry of Health providers only provide food handler training, not certification. For information on proctoring and certification, please contact us or visit any of our office locations.

This item was last modified on November 12, 2024