FoodSafe Level 1 Course in Delta, BC: Prioritizing Food Safety in the Workplace
As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” This statement is particularly true in the food service industry. Food handlers and service staff play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the public by serving safe and healthy food. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to prioritize food safety in the workplace. This is where the FoodSafe Level 1 course comes into play.
The Importance of Food Safety in the Workplace
Foodborne illnesses are a common problem in the food service industry. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there are approximately 4 million cases of foodborne illness every year in Canada alone. These illnesses can result from a variety of factors, including improper food handling, storage, and preparation. In addition to the health risks, foodborne illness outbreaks can also damage a business’s reputation, leading to significant financial losses.
The FoodSafe Level 1 Course
The FoodSafe Level 1 course is designed to provide front-line food service workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure food safety in the workplace. The course covers a range of topics, including foodborne illness prevention, safe procedures for receiving, storing, preparing, and presenting food, and techniques for reducing the risk of injury and illness. It is a mandatory requirement for every operator of a food service establishment and at least one employee on every shift to hold a FoodSafe Level 1 certificate, or a certificate from a course recognized as equivalent to FoodSafe.
Reducing the Risk of Foodborne Illness
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, the FoodSafe Level 1 course teaches food handlers how to properly store, prepare, and serve food. For example, food handlers are taught to avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods. They are also taught to ensure that food is cooked to the appropriate temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Additionally, food handlers are trained in the proper methods of cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Reducing the Risk of Injury and Illness
In addition to preventing foodborne illness, the FoodSafe Level 1 course also focuses on reducing the risk of injury and illness in the workplace. The course highlights the top six job hazards in the food service industry and provides techniques for reducing the risk of injury and illness. For example, food handlers are taught to use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries, and to wear slip-resistant shoes to prevent slips and falls.
Certification
The FoodSafe Level 1 course is an eight-hour face-to-face class, and students must achieve a minimum of 70% on the written multiple-choice examination to receive a FoodSafe Level 1 certificate. This certification is valid for five years, after which time the course must be retaken to maintain certification.
Conclusion
Prioritizing food safety in the workplace is critical for the well-being of both the public and food service workers. The FoodSafe Level 1 course provides essential knowledge and skills to ensure that food handlers and service staff are equipped to prevent foodborne illness and reduce the risk of injury and illness in the workplace. Mainland Safety Training Company offers this course in multiple locations, including Delta, Cloverdale, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Kelowna, and West Kelowna. For more information or to register for the course, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at +1 604 617 0211.