Red Deer Food Safety Certification

If you’re a food service worker, learning food safety is a must. In Alberta, not all food service workers are required to be trained and certified in food safety. It is, however, highly encouraged. If a food establishment is high-risk (as a source of foodborne illness), their permit to operate may not be granted by the Red Deer local health authorities unless they have a large percentage of the staff trained in Red Deer Food Safety Certification.

When this becomes the case (requiring more trained employees than the law stipulates), the food establishment has to meet the requirements of the local health authorities.

Red Deer Food Safety Certification

Red Deer First Aid awards certificates to trainees who are able to finish the food safety course with passing grades on all the exams. Unlike other provinces in Canada, certificates for food safety do not expire in Alberta. However, all food service workers holding training credentials are required to take update classes or “refreshers”. Update classes cover the essentials of food safety and teach any updates to the curriculum. You can also find refresher classes at Red Deer First Aid.

What causes foodborne illness?

The most common cause of foodborne illness is the ingestion of a pathogenic substance. A pathogen is a microorganism that can cause disease. The two most common pathogens that cause foodborne illness are the Norovirus and Camplyobacter. These two organisms are responsible for causing a condition known as “stomach flu”. The symptoms typically resolve within a few days and can be managed at home with proper hydration.

More severe cases of E.coli and Salmonella, more commonly known to the public, have to be managed in a medical environment with intravenous fluid resuscitation. This is very common for patients who belong to the extremes of the age range, the very young and the very old. They are at greater risk of dehydration, which is why they usually need medical help.

These organisms contaminate food because of improper handling and a lack of food safety.

Getting started: Diarrhea and dehydration

The symptom commonly associated with foodborne illness is diarrhea. Diarrhea is characterized by three or more loose bowel movements in a day. It can from a few days to a week, and usually resolves on its own. People who experience persistent diarrhea are at a great risk of experiencing dehydration – which is why fluids are very important.

At home, it is important to keep yourself hydrated if you are experiencing diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include severe thirst, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, irritability, headaches, decreasing levels of consciousness, and low blood pressure. You may be given IV fluids if you are severely dehydrated and manifest worsening symptoms of dehydration.

The use of ORS – oral rehydration solution- is commonly used in home management. ORS is commercially available, mixed with water to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. You can also make your own ORS, using 1 liter of water, 8 teaspoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. 1 liter is meant to last one day.

You can visit the Red Deer First Aid website for more details on course schedules and training fees.