Thunder Bay First Aid is one of the most popular food safety training providers in the province. We offer high quality training at very affordable rates – something our competitors don’t have. Our two-level food safety and sanitation course is our most popular program, because also offer a certification exam at the end of training. You can get more information on the Thunder Bay First Aid website; you can find a full list of classes and schedules on the site.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to visit our training location in the hustle and bustle of Thunder Bay’s commercial area. We are open during normal office hours – 8 AM to 5 PM. Feel free to drop by or give us a call during that time. Any e-mails and application requests will also be processed during business hours.
Applying to a food safety class
Food safety training at Thunder Bay First Aid is divided into basic and advanced courses. The basic course is targeted towards direct food handlers, such as waiters, dishwashers, and basically workers who handle food directly. It introduces trainees to basic food safety and foodborne illness concepts, as well as skills and techniques used in a safe food handling process. It normally runs for eight hours over one day (sometimes two half-days).
The advanced course targets management staff, specifically managers, executive chefs, and the owner. It is a longer course, typically two days long (twice as long as the basic course). The student is required to take first level training program (or have an equivalent credential) before applying to the advanced class. The curriculum focuses on the different aspects of running a food establishment.
Note: A facility is governed by the laws covering food establishments when it, in any way, handles food, whether or not the food is simply sold or served/given without charge. As long as handling of food is done, the food facility has to abide by food safety regulations set by Thunder Bay’s local health authorities.
Certification exams are available at different schedules. If your credential has expired, you need to sign up for another certification exam to receive a renewed training certificate.
An introduction to Food Safety in Thunder Bay
Food safety is a concept that, ideally, should be followed during the entire food handling process. It covers everything from personnel hygiene to housekeeping of the establishment. The basic course in food safety focuses on the food handler, because he poses the greatest threat to food safety. When handlers do not follow safety regulations – such as wearing of protective gear – there is a greater risk that the products they handle are not fit for public consumption.
The most common microorganism that are ingested by humans through contaminated food are the following:
- Norovirus, responsible for almost three quarters of total FBI cases
- Clostridium perfringens
- Salmonella (except typhoidal Salmonella)
- Campylobacter
- Staphylococcus aureus
These microorganisms cause different diseases, but the signs and symptoms are very similar (almost exactly the same). People who have ingested a disease-causing microorganism or substance can expect to feel/experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain and cramps.