By law, every owner or operator of a food service premises must ensure that at least one person who has completed Food Handler Training is always on site (s. 32, O. Reg. 493/17: Food Premises).

Public Health offers food handler training for the public and food industry workers, in a variety of formats.

In-Person Training Courses

In-person courses are held at our Belleville Public Health office throughout the year. Registration is reserved on a first paid, first reserved basis. We do not offer refunds or rescheduling to absent registrants.

Cost

In-person training costs $40. This includes a copy of the Food Handler Course Manual, a thermometer, and a wallet card certificate (upon successful completion of the course). Successful completion results in a certificate that is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, you are eligible for recertification instead of taking the complete course again (see Recertification below).

Dates and Registration

View our events calendar for upcoming course dates and times.

Register online for the in-person training course with credit card payment by selecting your desired class from our events calendar or the list of upcoming classes at the bottom of this page. Be sure you can attend the class before registering, as there are NO REFUNDS for missed classes.

Recertification Exams

Those who have previously completed an eligible Ontario food handler training program may re-certify at Public Health. Recertification is issued upon successful completion of the food handler training exam. You may wish to refer to the Food Handler Course Manual.

Cost

Recertification costs $20. Recertification is provided after successful completion of the exam. Please note that proof of previous successful completion of an Ontario food handler course is required.

Course Materials

Participants who wish to study from the course book early may pick up a book ahead of time with receipt of course registration. Please ensure that you bring this book to the class, as there will be no extra books available on the day of the course.

Dates and Registration

Recertification exams for 2023 are held at our Belleville Public Health office from 9 to 11 a.m. on the following Fridays of each month: Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, Apr. 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27 and Nov. 24. Participants wishing to re-certify must register in advance by calling 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 677.

Other Approved Course Providers

In addition to the services provided by Public Health, the Ministry of Health has approved a number of other food handler training course providers (see table at the bottom of the linked page). After successful completion of a course you will receive the same provincially recognized food handler certificate.

If you are interested in a flexible online option, In Good Hands is a Ministry-approved online certification course developed by Public Health Inspectors from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. The course can be completed at your own pace, with an online exam.

Other Languages and Special Accommodation

If you would like the course material or exam offered in an alternate language, or may require assistance completing the exam, please below, complete our online Request for Accessible Service and/or Alternative Format form, or call us at the number below, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Want More Information?

For more information about our Food Handler Training, please call 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803,  ext. 677.