Food Safety Certification in Victoria

FOODSAFE training programs are part of the British Columbia Public Health Act that governs all food establishments. In order to preserve Food Safety Certification in Victoria, food establishments are required to follow certain guidelines to make sure their food products are safe for public consumption. Foodborne illnesses are one of the biggest health problems tackled by countries all over the world, making it an prime issue for the World Health Organization (WHO).

The full extent of the burden of foodborne illnesses is still unknown, because the guidelines for proper food handling varies over different cities and countries. Health authorities try to regulate food establishments the best they can but unsafe food still remains a big problem. By training food service workers and administrative staff in food safety, the burden becomes less and less.

The WHO Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses

The WHO Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses (FOS) was created in order to estimate the global burden of foodborne illnesses, and to create a strategic health plan to counter it. The initiatives of the department are to:

• Strengthen the capacity of countries to undertake studies on the burden of foodborne illnesses, focusing on how it affects people along different demographics
• Encourage the development of health policies to fight against foodborne illnesses and to promote food safety in food establishments

In order to set international guidelines for food safety, a meeting was conducted in 2007 to recognize the growing threat of foodborne illnesses. The meeting ended with the creation of the Beijing Declaration on Food Safety by the 50 developed and developing countries who were part of the International Forum.

Food Safety Certification in Victoria

Victoria is covered by the British Columbia Public Health Act, created in accordance with the BC Center for Disease Control and BC Health Authorities. The Public Health Act requires all food establishments in Victoria to have several of its employees undergo FOODSAFE training. The act on Food Premises Regulation states that at least one employee certified in FOODSAFE training should be present in each shift at the food establishment.

What exactly is FOODSAFE training?

Level 2 of the training program is meant for administrative staff, such as managers and executive chefs. These people primarily handle management of food establishments without directly coming into contact with food. Level 1 training is a prerequisite for FOODSAFE level 2. (12 hours)

How much does FOODSAFE training cost?

• FOODSAFE level 1 – $100, available online, via classroom (in-person), or by correspondence
• FOODSAFE level 2 – $165, available online, via classroom (in-person), or by correspondence
• By correspondence – training by correspondence is available at a much lower price of $85 (two-month extension worth $25). All correspondence courses have to be finished within 6 months.