Maintaining Workplace Safety: Renewal Requirements for Food Handler Certification

Food Handler Certification renewal is a key part of workplace safety renewal requirements in Canada. Most provinces require food workers to refresh their certification every five years to stay compliant and up to date with food safety laws and requirements.

Renewing your Food Handler Certificate through the completion of a Food Handler Certification Course helps protect customers, coworkers and your business.

How long is Food Handler Certification valid in Canada?

In most Canadian provinces and territories, Food Handler Certification is valid for five years. After this period, you must retake an approved Food Handler Certification Course and pass the final exam to renew your certificate. This helps to ensure food safety knowledge remains current and in line with modern requirements.

If you are unsure when your Food Handler Certificate expires, check your original certificate or contact your training provider.

A province-by-province guide to Food Handler Certification requirements can be found here.

Why is renewing your Food Handler Certification important?

The Food Handler Certification Course Renewal plays a direct role in maintaining a safe workplace. Food safety hazards do not stay the same - regulations, pathogens and industry practices change over time.

By renewing your certification, you will refresh your knowledge of the following topics:

• Understanding food contamination
• Food-borne illness and allergy management
• Food safety laws and responsibilities
• Personal hygiene and workplace behaviour
• Time and temperature control
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Maintaining food premises and equipment
• Purchasing, receiving and storing food safely
• Preparing food safely
• Serving and dispensing food safely
• Managing your food safety plan

From an employer’s perspective, keeping staff certifications current reduces liability and supports a strong food safety culture. It also signals to customers that your business takes safety seriously.

How do you renew your Food Handler Certification in Canada?

You can renew your Food Handler Certification online with the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) in four simple steps:

1. Enrol in the Food Handler Certification Course
2. Complete the lessons and quizzes
3. Pass the final exam
4. Receive your digital Food Handler Certificate via email

Online renewal allows flexible, self-paced learning. You can study from any device and complete the remotely proctored exam whenever you are ready.

Begin your renewal by enrolling in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course today.

What happens if your Food Handler Certification expires?

Allowing your Food Handler Certificate to expire can create compliance risks for both you and your employer. If a Health Inspector conducts a food safety inspection and required staff do not hold valid certification, the business may face:

• Warnings or orders to comply
• Fines or penalties
• Increased inspection frequency
• Reputational damage

In some cases, an expired Food Handler Certificate can affect your employment eligibility, especially if your job requires active certification.

To avoid disruption, it is a good idea to set a reminder several months before your Food Handler Certificate expiry date. Renewing early helps ensure continuous compliance.

How can you stay compliant with workplace safety renewal requirements?

Maintaining compliance is easier when you take a proactive approach. Here are practical steps you can follow:

• Track certification expiry dates for yourself or your team
• Keep digital and printed copies of certificates on file
• Schedule renewal training in advance

Remember, food safety is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing attention, training and accountability.

Keep your workplace safe and compliant

The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is an essential piece of workplace safety compliance training that must be renewed every five years to ensure Food Handler Certificate validity.

If your certificate is nearing expiry - or has already expired - now is the time to act. Renew your credentials through a trusted, government-recognized provider and maintain compliance with Canadian food safety regulations.

Enroll in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How often do I need to renew my Food Handler Certification in Canada?

A. In the majority of cases, Food Handler Certification must be renewed every five years. Always confirm with your local public health authority.

Q. Can I renew my Food Handler Certification online?

A. Yes. CIFS offers a fully online Food Handler Certification Course that includes a remotely proctored exam.

Q. Do I need to retake the full Food Handler Certification course to renew?

A. Typically, yes. Most provinces require you to complete the full Food Handler Certification Course and pass the exam again.

Q. What if my employer requires Food Handler Certificate renewal sooner than every five years?

A. Although not legally required, employers may set stricter internal policies as part of workplace safety compliance training programs.