PREPARED BY: Environmental Health
DATE: December 5, 2024
SUBJECT: Certified Food Handler on site for Food Premises
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
The Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17 requires all operators of food premises to ensure that there is at least one food handler or supervisor onsite who has completed food handler training during every hour in which the premises is operating. Food handler training and certification must be obtained from an Ontario public health unit or another provider that is recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health, and in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Food Safety Protocol, 2019 and the Operational Approaches for Food Safety Guideline, 2019.
DISCUSSION
In the fall of 2023, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) began issuing fines to food premises operators who are non-compliant with the O. Reg. 493/17 requirement to have at least one certified food handler onsite during operating hours. In accordance with (items 248 and 249) of the Provincial Offenses Act, charges are issued for the total amount of $385 ($305 set fine, plus $75 victim fine surcharge and $5 fee) Schedule 41 Ontario Provincial Penalties O. Reg. 161/00: Victim Fine Surcharges under Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33. As of 0ctober 28, 2024, the EH department has issued 23 tickets to food premises who were non-complaint. Ten charges were issued to premises operating in the City of Windsor, nine in the Municipality of Leamington, two in the Town of Amherstburg and one each in the Town of Essex and the Town of Kingsville.
The WECHU offers a free online Food Handler course, in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic languages. There is also a Food Handler manual providing course material to help individuals prepare for the exam. The manual is available in English and French that individuals can purchased for $10 and can be picked up at one of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit offices. In-person certification exams are made available throughout Windsor and Essex County (WEC), in multiple languages, for a $10 fee. Individuals must register online to book their exam. A certification card is issued when a grade of 70 percent or higher is achieved and is valid for five years.
The WECHU will continue to provide exam dates throughout the community for in-person certification exams.