Thunder Bay health unit adds in-person food safety course

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is expanding its food safety training to offer an in-person course as an alternative to its online offering, the health unit said in a release dated Nov. 2. The in-person format is meant to give local food handlers, restaurant staff and community volunteers a supportive learning environment in which to get certified, the health unit said.¹

Lee Sieswerda, manager of environmental health at the health unit, said Ontario's food safety laws require every commercial food service premises to have at least one certified food handler on-site at all times. He cited section 32 of those laws.¹

To help our community meet this requirement, we have brought back a one-day, in-person course in response to community requests. We understand that not everyone wants to learn online and we are excited to offer this option.¹Lee Sieswerda, manager of environmental health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit

What the course involves

Public health inspectors will lead the instruction, and participants can complete the certification exam at the end of the course on the same day, the health unit said. The first course begins Nov. 4, and spaces are still available.¹

The course costs $75 per person and is taught in English in Thunder Bay. Certification is valid for five years across Ontario, and a personal card will be issued, according to the health unit.¹

The course schedule and registration are available at ingoodhands.ca/in-person, the health unit said. People can also register by calling 807-625-5930 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.¹

The health unit continues to offer its self-paced online course, "In Good Hands," which includes both course material and the exam. It has been offered for more than 20 years, is available in English and French, and its certification is valid across Ontario.¹