If you need more convincing, you can head over to the Windsor First Aid website where we have made a list of courses, schedules, and rates available. You can also sign up on the website, using the online form available 24/7. You may contact us through the details on the website as well – expect to be entertained during regular business hours (8 AM to 5 PM).
Promoting FOODSAFE in Windsor
The purpose of mandating food safety training in Windsor and the rest of Ontario is to promote food safety not only in food facilities but in homes all over the province. The basic training course in food safety is open to anyone interested in learning about foodborne illness and food safety – not just people who work in food handling. With everybody practicing proper food safety skills, the risk for acquiring foodborne illness through ingesting contaminated food is predicted to become very, very low.
The most common culprits that cause foodborne illness are the Norovirus, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Other cases are caused by the ingestion of chemicals, such as pesticides and even cleaning chemicals.
Basic food safety training
Our basic food safety course is the minimum amount of training the bylaw requires food handlers to have. It covers basic knowledge and skills regarding foodborne illness and preventing it. Topics include basic microbiology, personal health and hygiene, and general sanitation/housekeeping. This basic course has no prerequisites; it is completed in eight hours (over one or two days).
Advanced food safety training
Our advanced food safety course targets people with basic food safety certificates and food handlers who have supervisory capacity – these are facility owners, managers, and even executive chefs. It takes 16 hours over two days to finish the advanced course. Topics are focused on how to run a food facility – with topics such as health certificates and personnel training.
Certification exams
Upon completing either (or both) of our training courses, students have to take a certification exam to be fully certified. Exams are scheduled on different days, since training usually occupies an entire day. This also allows students who self-study with our workbooks to have a chance to take the exam. A minimum grade is required to pass, after which you will be awarded a food safety training certificate (valid for five years).
Renewal and refreshers
Refresher classes are also available at Windsor First Aid. They are shorter courses for students looking to take refresher training, a requirement to renew training certificates that are nearing expiry. Refresher classes focus on basics and updates made to food safety. Training certificates need to be renewed every five years – don’t forget!