Food handler training for provincially licenced meat plants
Find out how to get Food Handler Training Certification as part of the requirements for a meat plant operator licence.
Overview
Every provincial meat plant licence issued under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 requires the licensee to make sure their meat plant operation is carried on in accordance with the Act and its Regulations.
In accordance with Ontario Regulation 31/05 section 57 (3), the operator of a meat plant must make sure there is, at all times when food animals are being slaughtered, carcasses are being dressed or carcasses, parts of carcasses or meat products are being processed, packaged or labelled, there shall be at least one supervisor in attendance at the plant who has received Food Handler Training Certification in hygienic food handling in a formal course or program that is acceptable to a director.
A “supervisor” means a person at a meat plant who supervises the work of employees who are engaged in the slaughter of food animals, the dressing of carcasses or the processing of meat products at the plant.
Food Handler Training Certification is held by the individual trainee and not the licensed operation. If in the event a certified supervisor is no longer employed by the licensed operation, the licensee must make sure the operation remains in compliance with the regulation. For this reason, some operators may choose to have more than one employee on staff with valid Food Handler Training Certification to ensure there is no disruption in their operation.
Getting your Food Handler Training Certification
A confirmation of successful completion of required food safety training must be received by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) prior to issuing a licence to operate a meat plant.
Food Handler Training Certification can be obtained through the following programs.
Meat and Poultry Ontario
Food Handler Training for the Meat Processing Industry
Contact Meat and Poultry Ontario directly for more information on in-person and online training, examination dates and locations.
Email: info@meatpoultryon.ca
Visit their website for more information on signing up for training programs.
Conestoga College
Food Safety Level 1 – Online (Course code FOOD1120)
Contact Conestoga College directly for more information on delivery options and registration dates.
Visit their website for more information on signing up for training programs.