Food safety certification is common practice in Hamilton, specifically among food service workers working in establishments. In 2008 and 2010, food handler training became mandatory for all employees of food establishments, requiring the presence of a trained and certified employee (in the establishment) at all times, on duty. Hamilton First Aid offers quality food handler training courses to food service workers and even people interested in learning food safety and sanitation. You don’t have to work in the food service industry to apply; simply visit our website and sign up using the online application form.
Food Handler Training in Hamilton
Hamilton First Aid is a training provider of food safety, offering training courses through the entire week at very affordable rates. Upon completing training, we award all students with training certificates valid for five years. The student just needs to pass the certification exam and he/she will be given a training credential.
Registration is quite easy. Before the start of classes, students can register on the Hamilton First Aid website. The website has a form on the website you can fill out and submit online. You don’t need to download anything; just fill up the form with your details and click submit. Students may also submit registration requests in person, through e-mail, or over the telephone.
Becoming certified in Food safety certification
The food handler course in Hamilton First Aid is a single-day course, completed over 8 eight hours. Classes usually start at 8:30 AM and end at 4:30 PM. The certification exam is either given directly after the final class, or at a separate day. We allow prospective students to choose from a full training course or self-study, wherein the student simply buys the workbook and takes the exam for the latter.
Our curriculum was created to meet the needs of people working in food establishments. The concept of food safety is the most important thing food businesses consider when preparing products. The entire handling process has to be safe, so the food produced is safe for public consumption. There is always a risk of contamination, especially if the food handler doesn’t practice food safety skills, but with proper training this risk can be greatly reduced.
If you plan on enrolling a food handler training course at Hamilton First Aid, you can expect the following topics included in the lessons:
- Microbiology
- Prevention/management of foodborne illness
- Housekeeping
- Sanitation of work counters and utensils
- Personnel hygiene and health
- Personnel training (for supervisory staff members)
Foodborne illness: causes and management
Foodborne illness (colloquially called food poisoning) is caused by the ingestion of food that has been contaminated. Contamination is usually caused by bacteria and chemicals, specifically pesticides. The biggest factor that contributes to the contamination of food is proper hand hygiene. When food handlers do not wash their hands or wear protective gear, it increases the risk of contaminating the food product.
Management of foodborne illness centers on fluid and electrolyte replacement, with F & E lost during vomiting and diarrhea – both common symptoms of foodborne illness. Victims may also experience nausea, upset stomach, and abdominal pain and cramps.