FOODSAFE training and certification is a food safety program in Surrey, mandated by the British Columbia health authorities. It aims to lessen the burden of foodborne illness by training food service workers in proper food handling. From front-line to administrative staff members, FOODSAFE training will help keep food production and service in establishments safe for mass consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions about Surrey Food Safety Certification
What is the course content of FOODSAFE training?
When you visit the Surrey First Aid Website, you will notice that there are two kinds of FOODSAFE training available. These are two levels; the first level is for service workers who handle food and the second level is for service workers who handle management. The Food Premises Regulation public health act only requires food establishments to have employees trained in the first level of FOODSAFE, but being trained in both is highly encouraged.
First level of FOODSAFE focuses on food preparation, storage, service, and sanitation – more on skills and techniques used by workers who handle food (servers, cooks, etc.). The second level also includes these concepts, but the focus is more on management and planning for overall work safety.
What exactly does the public health act require?
Technically speaking, food service workers are not required to get FOODSAFE training and certification to work in the food industry. However, food establishments are required to have at least one employee trained in food safety during every shift. This means that you may be asked by your employer to get FOODSAFE certificate, along with other members of the staff. Some establishments may even require all employees to get food safety training, so its best to be prepared.
How much does training cost?
The different levels of FOODSAFE training cost differently from each other, as well as the set-up you choose to take training.
- FOODSAFE level one – 8 hrs., $110
- FOODSAFE level two – 12 hrs., $165
- FOODSAFE by correspondence – completed over 6 months, $85 (an additional $25 for a two-month extension)
Did You Know?
Washing fruits and vegetables (produce) is a very important part of food safety at home. Often, we forget to wash fruits and vegetables because they look clean or they were sealed upon purchase. However, microorganisms and chemicals aren’t visible to the naked eye, and if they are ingested, they can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Foodborne illnesses can be managed at home, but once the symptoms become very severe the condition can actually turn fatal. Diarrhea alone is very dangerous for infants and older persons, since they are at a great risk for dehydration. If your child or an older person you are living with has been experiencing symptoms for several days, be sure to seek medical help.