If you want to work in a food handling role at one of Ontario’s 40,000+ food and beverage establishments, you must have the correct food safety training.
Each year, approximately 100,000 cases of foodborne illness are reported in Ontario, many of which are linked to unsafe food handling practices. Food safety training plays a critical role in reducing these risks, which is why it is required under provincial law.
Food safety requirements in Ontario mandate that food premises employ trained staff who understand safe food handling, contamination risks and legal responsibilities. As part of these requirements, at least one certified Food Handler must be present during food preparation and service, certificates must remain valid and training must meet provincial standards.
Ontario’s food safety requirements are designed to protect the public from food-borne illness and ensure consistent standards across all food premises. These rules are enforced under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and its accompanying Food Premises Regulation.
At a practical level, the law requires food businesses to operate safely, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that staff handling food understand how contamination occurs and how to prevent it. Training is a key part of this responsibility.
Public health units across Ontario enforce these requirements through routine inspections and follow-up visits. Failure to comply can result in orders, fines or closure.
Ontario food safety requirements apply to anyone who prepares, handles, serves, packages or stores food as part of their role. This includes workers across multiple sectors, not just restaurants.
Food safety training is typically required for:
While the regulation specifies that at least one certified Food Handler must be present at all times, many employers require all staff to hold valid certification to reduce risk and simplify compliance.
Ontario does not provide a government-run certification program. Instead, the province requires Food Handlers to complete recognized food safety training that meets public health standards.
A valid Food Handler Certificate must:
Employers are responsible for keeping records of staff certification and ensuring Food Handler Certificates remain current. Inspectors may request proof during an inspection.
The following table summarizes key Ontario food safety requirements for Food Handlers.
| Requirement Area | What the Law Requires | Practical Implications |
| Who must be trained | Anyone who prepares, handles, serves, packages or stores food requires suitable training | Applies across restaurants, retail, catering, mobile vendors and institutional kitchens |
| Certification standard | Recognized Food Handler Certificate meeting public health standards | Must cover hygiene, contamination prevention, time and temperature control, and include an assessment |
| On-site requirement | At least one certified Food Handler must be present during food preparation and service | Many employers require all staff to be certified to reduce compliance risk |
| Certificate validity | Valid for five years from date of issue | Full retraining required after expiry to remain compliant |
| Inspection focus | Certification plus daily food safety practices | Inspectors assess hygiene, storage, temperature control, sanitation and allergen management |
Food safety validity in Ontario is five years from the date of issue. After this period, Food Handlers must complete training again to remain compliant.
There is no separate refresher or renewal program. Retaking the full Food Handler Certification Course ensures food handlers stay up to date with:
Allowing certification to lapse can put both the worker and the business at risk during an inspection.
Yes. Ontario allows online food handler training, provided the course meets provincial requirements and includes a secure exam.
The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) delivers an online Food Handler Certification Course that:
The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course also includes a proctored exam to maintain integrity and align with public health expectations.
Ontario Health inspectors focus on more than paperwork. While certification is important, inspectors also assess how food safety knowledge is applied day to day.
Common inspection checkpoints include:
Training supports compliance by helping food handlers understand why these practices matter, not just what the rules say.
Food safety requirements in Ontario are not optional. They are a legal and professional responsibility that protects customers, workers and businesses alike.
Completing recognized food safety training ensures you understand your role in preventing food-borne illness, meeting inspection standards and maintaining public trust. Whether you are entering the food industry or managing a team, staying compliant starts with proper certification.
The best food safety certification in Ontario is the one that is accepted every time. Get your Food Handler Certification with an online course that meets Ontario’s requirements and supports long-term compliance.
A. Yes. Ontario requires food premises to have at least one certified Food Handler present during operation.
A. Food Handler Certificates are valid for five years, after which retraining is required.
A. Yes, the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is nationally recognized and can be completed entirely online.
A. Yes, they can. Employers should keep Food Handler Certificates readily available for inspection.