Food safety is serious business, and Dr. Linna Li wants local restaurants to know it.
Dr. Li, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for the South East Health Unit, says all restaurants and food businesses are legally required to have a certified food handler on-site during operating hours. This includes food trucks, farmers’ markets, and caterers.
She adds they’re also required before opening a new location.
Dr. Li says t raining helps prevent food-borne illnesses, which can cause serious health issues and missed work.
Certification boosts employee confidence, efficiency, and professionalism, and as the Doctor says, can help lead people down the right path.
The health unit offers training through in-person sessions in Smiths Falls and Brockville, a home study program, and the online “In Good Hands” course.
To pass the final exam, food handlers must score at least 70 per cent and show photo ID. Certification lasts five years and is accepted by all Ontario health units.
For more information, visit healthunit.org, check the Health Information section under Clinics and Classes, or call 1-800-660-5853 to speak with a public health inspector.
Listen to the complete interview with Dr. Linna Li below.