Kelowna First Aid is one of the many training providers in British Columbia that offer Kelowna Food Safety Certification and training. FOODSAFE is the name of the food safety program all over BC, because it is mandated by the public health authorities for all food establishments. At Kelowna First Aid, we have two FOODSAFE levels available, as well as refersher courses and training by correspondence. We are open to everyone who wants to learn about food safety, not just people who are food service workers.
Sign up for one of many training programs get certified in FOODSAFE today!
What is Kelowna Food Safety Certification and training?
FOODSAFE training was funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Development. It was created in order to decrease the incidence of foodborne illness in British Columbia, as well as to spread awareness and educate people on food safety in food establishments and at home.
There are two FOODSAFE levels available at Kelowna First Aid. The first level is for front-line service workers, meaning members of the staff who directly handle food (servers, cooks, bussers). The topics included in this level are concepts and skills used in food preparation, storage, service, and sanitation. The second level focuses on planning and management, so it is targeted more towards owners and managers.
Only the first level of FOODSAFE training is mandated by the BC public health act (on Food Premises Regulation) but both levels are highly encouraged. Technically, service workers are not required or mandated to take FOODSAFE training. However, all food establishments in Kelowna are required to have at least one employee trained in food safety on duty during every shift. So be prepared because your employer might require you to get trained in food safety.
FOODSAFE certificates are valid for five years and then they expire. They can be renewed through a refresher class, a training program meant for updating skills and knowledge on food safety.
Program length and cost of training
- FOODSAFE 1st level – 8 hrs., 110 dollars
- FOODSAFE 2nd level – 12 hrs., 165 dollars
- Refresher course – 3 hrs., training fee upon request
- FOODSAFE correspondence – 85 dollars, extension for an additional 25 dollars
Training set-ups
FOODSAFE training can be taken in the following set-ups: (1) classroom, (2) online (via virtual classroom), and (3) by correspondence. Training by correspondence is a popular choice among students who are currently working, because it does not follow a specific schedule. Students are simply required to complete the lessons and pass all the requirements in six months time. An extension of two months is possible with additional training fees.
About Foodborne Ilness
Foodborne illness is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food. When food is not prepared and handled correctly, it can become contaminated by microorganisms and dangerous substances (like chemicals). When microorganisms and chemicals are ingested, it can cause a myriad of gastrointestinal symptoms that characterize foodborne illness.
The most common microorganisms (pathogens) that cause foodborne illness are:
- Norovirus
- Salmonella typhi
- Clostridium perfringens
- Campylobacter spp.
- Staphylococcus aureus
The most common microorganisms that cause foodborne illness that result in hospitalization are:
- Salmonella typhi
- Norovirus
- Campylobacter spp.
- Toxoplasma gondii
- E. coli