Section 31 of the Food Regulation Public Health Act in Alberta
Why there is a need for Food Handlers Courses in Calgary? Food safety is a very serious topic in the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta. There is a public health act that governs all food establishments in the province, requiring them to have staff members trained in food safety present at all hours. Specifically, section 31 of the Food Regulation act requires establishments to have (1) at least 1 staff member trained in food safety when there is less than 6 employees working during the shift and (2) at least one supervisory staff member trained in food safety when there is more than 5 employees working during the shift. Not all food establishments are required to follow this act; establishments that are not covered by the act are:
- Bed and breakfasts
- Social care facilities like day cares with less than 10 clients
- Convenience stores and groceries that don’t have food preparation
- Facilities that deal in pre-packed food (without changing the original packaging) or low-risk food (e.g. candy)
- Temporary food or market stalls
- Stalls in farmer’s markets
How to Register for a Food Handlers Courses in Calgary?
To register for a section 31, workplace approved Food Handlers Courses in Calgary use the following contact details:
- Website: http://firstaidcalgary.ca
- Email: info@firstaidcalgary.ca
- Training Addresses: Suite 102, 750 – 11th Street SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3N7 Training Centre Number 2: Suite 410,8989 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, T2H 0M2
Registration is available online, in person, or via telephone. Courses are available online or in a classroom format. Participants that complete the course online must still take a final examination at one of the training centers posted above.
What do I learn in a Food Handlers Courses in Calgary?
If you have been asked or chosen by your employee to study and become certified in food safety, you can expect to learn skills and concepts that govern safe food handling. We focus on the food handling process from preparation of the product to storage and service. The key word here is “safe”. We make sure our trainees finish our courses with safe skills and knowledge about safe food handling practices.
Bacteria: Pathogenic Cause of Foodborne Illness
The most common cause of foodborne illness is bacteria. It can end up on food because of poor handling and sanitation, spreading disease among people who consume it. There are many bacteria in our environment and on/in our bodies. Some of them are harmless but some can cause mild to serious disease. Pathogens are usually found in raw meat, soil, human/animal waste, and from infected people. Specific pathogens that manifest intestinal symptoms are:
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium Botulinum
- Clostridium perfringens
- E. coli
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Staphylococcus aureas
Bacteria thrive on/in (1) food, (2) acidic enviroments, and (3) high moisture. Oxygen level and temperature also factor in in the ability of a bacterium to thrive on food and surfaces that come into contact with food.
Getting your certificate
Certificates from Calgary First Aid do not expire and are valid all over Alberta. Our programs are overseen by the Alberta Health Services, so you are sure of the quality of the training you receive from us and that your credential is valid all through the province. While there is no expiry, food service workers with prior training are still required to enroll in refresher classes every five years to update their training. Refresher classes cover the essentials or basics in food safety, along with new information regarding the practice.
You may visit the Calgary First Aid website for a list of available classes and their respective schedules and fees. If you want to give us a call or visit in person, we highly encourage you to do so!