Course overview
Safe food handling protects customers and protects your business. This introductory online course teaches the core food safety knowledge that every food handler needs, in short lessons you can finish in about two hours.
You start with how foodborne illness happens and the biological, chemical and physical hazards that put food at risk. You then learn personal hygiene and handwashing, why sick workers must stay home and how to keep hot food hot and cold food cold using a food thermometer.
The later modules cover preventing cross-contamination and cross-contact with allergens, safe receiving and storage, cleaning versus sanitizing and pest control, and how food safety plans, records and recalls work in practice.
Please note: this is an introductory online course. It does not replace a food handler certificate that your province, territory or local public health unit may require, and the Certificate of Completion is not a government-recognized food handler certificate. Check your local requirements. The course is general education and not legal advice.
What you'll learn
- Explain how food becomes unsafe and how foodborne illness spreads
- Keep hot and cold food out of the temperature danger zone
- Practise personal hygiene and handwashing that protects food
- Prevent cross-contamination and cross-contact with allergens
- Clean and sanitize surfaces, equipment and utensils correctly
- Describe how receiving, storage, preparation and cooking affect food safety
Laws and regulations covered
General education based on the current official texts and guidance. It is not legal advice.
Who this course is for
- New and entry-level food handlers in restaurants, cafes, caterers and grocery stores
- Food business owners and managers who train new staff
- Volunteers in community kitchens, school programs and food events
- Students preparing to work in food service
What's inside the course
1Why food safety matters3 lessons
- Foodborne illness and who is at risk
- Biological, chemical and physical hazards
- Food safety laws in Canada
- Module quiz
2Personal hygiene3 lessons
- Handwashing
- Illness and staying away from work
- Clean clothing and good habits
- Module quiz
3Time and temperature control3 lessons
- The temperature danger zone
- Cooking, cooling and reheating
- Using a food thermometer
- Module quiz
4Preventing contamination3 lessons
- Cross-contamination
- Allergens and cross-contact
- Safe receiving and storage
- Module quiz
5Cleaning and sanitizing3 lessons
- Cleaning versus sanitizing
- Cleaning schedules and chemicals
- Pest control
- Module quiz
6Food safety in practice3 lessons
- Food safety plans and record keeping
- Complaints and recalls
- Final assessment
- Module quiz
Requirements and assessment
Requirements
No prior experience required. Lessons start from the basics and build towards practical application at work.
Assessment
A short quiz after each module and a final assessment. Pass mark: 70%, with up to 3 attempts.
Certificate of Completion
Complete all lessons and score 70% or more in the final assessment, and your Certificate of Completion is issued instantly in your account. It shows your name, the course title, the issue date and a unique certificate ID, as an A4 page you can print or save as PDF for your training records.
- 1Complete the lessons
- 2Pass the final (70%+)
- 3Download your certificate
It records completion of an on demand online course. It is not a professional licence, designation or accreditation, and Charter Compliance Academy is not affiliated with any government body or regulator.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a recognized food handler certificate?
No. It is an introductory online course that ends with a Certificate of Completion. It is not a government-recognized food handler certificate. Check whether your province, territory or local public health unit requires an approved food handler course.
Who is this course for?
Anyone who prepares, serves or handles food, including new hires, volunteers and students, and managers who want a consistent introduction for their team.
How long does it take?
Most learners finish in about two hours. You can stop and resume at any time and you keep lifetime access.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. After you pass the final assessment you receive a Certificate of Completion with your name, the course title, the date and a unique ID.
Can I enrol my whole team?
Yes. Use the team page to request a quotation in Canadian dollars with progress reports for your staff.
Training a team?
Group enrolment, progress reports and invoices in Canadian dollars.
