Phase 2 of Mandatory Food Handler Training By-law Takes Effect January 1
Written by admin, December 12, 2014
December 12, 2014 – Food Handler Training Courses OfferedFree of Charge at Public Health
The Peterborough Public Health is reminding residents and food premises that the second phase of the by-law takes effect in the City and County of Peterborough on January 1, 2015, making it mandatory for moderate-risk food premises to have at least one certified food handler working in a supervisory capacity on site at all times.
“We look forward to working with our food premises partners to increase the number of certified food handlers overseeing 
how food is prepared in our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Local establishments have been receptive to this new by-law and understand that educating staff that handle food has been shown to improve inspection results and reduce food borne illness.”
On January 1, 2015, the by-law will extend to include moderate-risk food premises such as fast-food establishments, chip trucks and bakeries that have fewer preparation steps and generally serve healthier populations. Earlier this year on January 1, 2014, the first phase of the by-law came into effect for high-risk premises, defined as food establishments that prepare and handle large quantity of potentially hazardous foods (e.g. poultry, fish, and beef) that are often involved with foodborne illness, such as restaurants, banquet halls and cafeterias. Low-risk premises which do not prepare food but simply store and sell food such as convenience stores are exempt from the by-law.
A certified food handler is someone who has completed the Food Handler Training and Certification Course offered by Public Health or an equivalent course. The course covers:
- proper food handling techniques with an emphasis on temperature control
- legislation and the role of Public Health
- chemical, physical and biological hazards in food
- personal hygiene
- cleaning and sanitizing
Peterborough City and County join other jurisdictions that have passed similar by-laws such as cities of Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford and London, as well as Niagara Region and parts of Essex County.
The Peterborough Public Health remains one of only a few health units in Ontario that continues to offer Food Handler Training and Certification Courses to residents free of charge. More than 14,000 people have taken this course and received their certification from Public Health since 1997. Individuals or businesses wishing to take the Food Handler Training and Certification Course should call Public Health at 705-743-1000. Further information about the course is also available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the “My Work” section under Food Services.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391