FOODSAFE training is one of our most popular courses at Victoria First Aid. With the demand for Victoria Food Safety Certification and training in British Columbia continually increasing, we have opened several schedules through the week, even during the evenings and weekends to accommodate all the students interested in our FOODSAFE courses. If you need FOODSAFE training and certification, visit our Victoria First Aid website for more details.
How do I enroll in food safety training?
There are many ways to sign up for training. So far, the most popular enrollment method is through our website. You can use the application form on the site (available 24/7) to choose the training course you want to sign up for, or send us an e-mail. We also encourage telephone calls and personal visits during our business hours.
Studying Victoria Food Safety Certification
FOODSAFE is the term used in all food safety programs in the province of British Columbia. The creation of the program was funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, to lower the incidence of foodborne illness and to improve food safety in all food establishments in Victoria and the rest of British Columbia.
There are two levels in FOODSAFE training. The first level runs for 8 hours and focuses on the skills used in food preparation, storage, service, and sanitation. This course is meant for food handlers, also called the front-line service workers.
The second level runs for 12 hours and focuses on management and planning regarding overall work safety in the establishment. This course is meant for administrative staff, such as owners and managers.
Studying FOODSAFE by correspondence is also gaining popularity at Victoria First Aid. Compared to the more traditional classroom set up or the newer online virtual classroom set-up, by correspondence gives students more flexibility in the pace of their training. There are no fixed schedules when training by correspondence, as long as you finish the FOODSAFE course within six months. An extension of two months is available with an additional fee.
Course costs and program length
- FOODSAFE (level 1) – 8 hrs., 100 dollars
- FOODSAFE (level 2) – 12 hrs., 165 dollars
- FOODSAFE by correspondence – six months, 85 dollars (25 dollars for a two-month extension)
- Refresher course – 3 hrs. (cost upon request)
Refreshers
FOODSAFE certificates have a period of validity of 5 years before they expire. Students looking to get updated training in food safety or want to renew their FOODSAFE certificates can enroll in our refresher classes at Victoria First Aid. Refreshers are basically updates in food safety, focusing on the essentials of FOODSAFE level 1. They run for 3 hours.
Facts about foodborne illness
- There are over 250 different foodborne diseases today. Most of them are infections caused by food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When diseases are infectious, they can be passed from one person to another, especially in the absence of proper infection control.
- Foodborne illnesses can also be poisonings, meaning they are caused by dangerous toxins/chemicals. Poisonous mushrooms cause gastrointestinal symptoms seen in foodborne illneses.
- Typical signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain/cramps.