Cooking enthusiasts looking to have a career as a chef, or anyone interested in learning about safe food preparation, are invited to participate in Smoky River Adult Learning’s Food Handler’s Safety Certificate course in March.
Smoky River Adult Learning administration coordinator Leslie Carbone says the course will be held on March 20 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the M.D. of Smoky River building in Falher.
“Providing adequate food safety training to everyone who handles food is essential to protecting people from food poisoning, allergic reactions, and other health risks that could occur from eating contaminated food,” says Carbone.
“Everyone 13 years older and up is encouraged to take the course to ensure the proper and safe practices of handling, storing, cooking, and serving foods are met,” she adds.
The Food Handler’s Course will teach about food safety regulations, things to know about food safety, a closer look at microorganisms, food and facilities design, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, storing food and pest management, preparing to cook, handing dishes and serving food, maintaining proper food temperatures, and food allergies.
Once earned, the certification is valid for five years. At least one person in care and control of food in a facility that serves to the public must have the certification, according to the Alberta Food Regulations.
This is a mandatory requirement for butcher shops, bakeries, bars and lounges, caterers, some convenience stores, mobile food trucks, restaurants, social care facilities and work camps, to name a few.
Cost to attend the course is $100 per learner, and interested parties must be pre-registered. Course fees are non-refundable.
If you would like to find out more about food safety training, please visit ahs.ca/ephed. To register for this course, please phone SRAL at (780) 837-3013, as space is limited.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter