Food Handler Training | Lakelands Public Health

Happy male cook wearing apron standing by kitchen counter preparing food.

Obtain your Food Handler Certification by learning how to handle and prepare food safely according to the Food Premises Regulation. All food premises, including special event vendors, are required to have at least one certified food handler on site during hours of operation.

Food Handler Certificate Training

Foodborne illness, more commonly known as food poisoning, is a risk to the public and can seriously damage the reputation of your establishment. Whether it is by word-of-mouth from one upset customer or an outbreak involving many people, foodborne illness can ruin your business. The best way to prevent foodborne illness is through education. The Food Handler Training and Certification Course will provide you and your staff with the knowledge needed to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illness.

The topics covered in the Food Handler Training and Certification Course include:

food safety legislation and the role of the health unit;
foodborne Illness and food safety hazards;
safe food handling processes and techniques, with an emphasis on temperature control;
food handler hygiene, and
cleaning, sanitizing, and facility maintenance.

Register for the training option below that meets your needs.

Exam Challenge

If you have been previously certified, received training from a third party or have at least two (2) years experience in the food industry, you are eligible to complete the exam without a designated study period. A free copy of the study material is available online in English to if you wish to review the materials beforehand. Register to complete the certification exam at one of our Health Unit Offices.

Registration Fee: $30.00 (cash only)
Pre-registration and payment required.
In-person certification exam.

Locations

Port Hope Office: 200 Rose Glen Road
Peterborough Office: 158 King Street, Peterborough
Lindsay Office: 108 Angeline Street South
Haliburton Office: 191 Highland Street, Unit 301

In-Person

In-person Food Handler Certification learning options are offered in partnership with Fleming College.

Lakelands Public Health offers in-person Food Handler Training and Certification Courses at our Peterborough office. Courses typically run for approximately 7 hours, and will include coffee and lunch breaks. The certification exam will be completed on the same day. See the “Course Schedule” section below for a list of upcoming courses.

To register for one of the courses listed below, or for more information, contact our office weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-844-575-4567.

Courses will be held at Lakelands Public Health — Peterborough Office, 185 King St, Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8, 2nd floor multipurpose rooms, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, January 31, 2025
Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Cancelled
Monday, February 24, 2025
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Online

In Good Hands: Food Safety Training (Online)

Developed by Public Health Inspectors from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, this online course offers everyone living in Ontario easy access to a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recognized food handler certification. Learn at your own pace at a time and location that is convenient for you. Use your mobile device. Take the exam online when you are ready.

Additional Options

The Ministry of Health maintains a list of businesses and organizations offering food handler training and certification. The programs listed by the Ministry of Health are deemed to be equivalent to the training and certification offered by Lakelands Public Health. We will accept certifications issued by these providers after the date that they are listed as equivalent. Many of these independent providers offer online course and exam options.

Self Study

Review the Ministry of Health's Provincial Food Handler Training Manual English at your own pace and complete the certification exam in-person at one of our offices when you are ready. A print version of the study material is included in the registration fee.

Registration Fee: $42.00 (cash only)
Pre-registration and payment required.
A copy of Food Safety: A Guide for Ontario’s Food Handlers manual will be provided.
Self-directed study and in-person certification exam.

Locations

Port Hope Office: 200 Rose Glen Road
Peterborough: 158 King Street, Peterborough
Lindsay Office: 108 Angeline Street South
Haliburton Office: 191 Highland Street, Unit 301

Register for Food Handler Certification

Contact our Environmental Health Department for more information.

To register for the Self Study or Exam Challenge training courses.

Email: inspections@hkpr.on.ca
Phone: 1-866-888-4577 x 5006

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