Hamilton in the province of Ontario is governed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – meaning it has to abide by the bylaws set in the province and the city. The Health Protection and Promotion Act and its bylaws require food establishments in the province of Ontario to have staff members certified in food safety and sanitation. By having trained food service workers in a FOODSAFE establishment in Hamilton, there is less (to zero) risk of the food products being contaminated with bacteria, hence being safe for public consumption.
Training in food safety and sanitation is offered all over Hamilton, but not all of the providers are approved by Hamilton’s health authorities. The bylaws specifically state that the certified food service worker has to be trained and certified by an approved food safety training provider. Our provider, Hamilton First Aid, is one of the few providers that are approved and endorsed in the city of Hamilton. Once you choose to train with us and enroll in one of our food safety programs, the credential you receive will be valid in the entire province of Ontario.
Enrollment at FOODSAFE in Hamilton
Prospective students have the option of enrolling in a training program online – through the Hamilton First Aid website. We have made an interactive form available on our website; it allows students to sign up for a training program on the website itself – no more downloads necessary. You may enroll on the website at any time you want. Don’t forget to click submit after entering your information; we will get back to you (usually with a call or confirmatory e-mail) during regular business hours.
We also have other options for signing up and/or contacting us. You may send us an e-mail with your enrollment details or with a query; we will address the issue during business hours. The same goes for telephone calls and visits to our provider’s location. If you visit us during business hours, our staff will be glad to give you a tour and an introduction to our food safety programs.
The deal with food safety
Food safety is (should be) a major concern in Canadian provinces. Each year, an estimated 4.5 million Canadians are affected by foodborne illnesses or infections, despite being an easily preventable condition. The same goes for the 2 million deaths attributed to diarrheal complications all over the world. Therefore, foodborne illness and food safety should remain a major part of health promotion in all provinces in Canada (and countries all over the world).
How does foodborne illness get transmitted?
Humans are the major carriers for foodborne illness – especially food handlers who work in facilities that handle or prepare food that is sold in the market. When food handlers do not practice food safety, there is a risk that the products they handle are contaminated with microorganisms and even chemicals. The simple act of handwashing is enough to decrease this risk, but is often overlooked.
Other ways to prevent the transfer of microorganisms and similar substances are:
- Wearing of gloves, aprons, and similar protective gear
- Keeping the handling area sanitized
- Sanitize all utensils and equipment used