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Food safety training is a requirement of the Food Premises Regulation. In BC, the FOODSAFE Level 1 course or its equivalent is recognized as meeting this requirement. The local Health Authority administers the FOODSAFE education program in their region.
List of equivalent FOODSAFE Level 1 courses.
For information on the FOODSAFE course equivalency process, contact Food Protection Services.
FOODSAFE Knowledge Retention Study, 2009
BCCDC Environmental Health provides policy and scientific advice to the local Health Authorities and public. One way this is done is by developing guidelines and food safety information that are used as a basis for programs administered by the Health Authorities.
photo: www.befoodsafe.ca |
These guidelines (below) are useful to operators of food facilities, who have the responsibility to ensure that food served to the public is safe (Part 2 of Food Safety Act). Every operator must also have written food handling and sanitation procedures to ensure no health hazards occur at their premises (Division 6 of Food Premises Regulation)
Food Guidelines
- Guidelines for the Sale of Foods at Temporary Markets
New summary (one pg summary)
Temporary markets such as farmers markets sell many items in addition to fresh produce. These guidelines provides recommendations for the preparation and display of food intended for sale at temporary food markets.
- Guideline for Mechanical Warewashing in Food Service Establishments
Specifications for commercial dishwashers, such as temperature requirements and sanitizer concentrations to meet food safety standards (specifically, Section 17 of the Food Premises Regulation) are outlined in this guideline.
- Guideline for the Safe Preparation and Serving of Donairs, Shawarmas and Similar Products
There have been at least 4 documented E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with the consumption of donairs in Canada since 2004. This guideline identifies procedures required to ensure that donairs are prepared safely and explains the secondary cooking process and temperatures specified for donair cones.
- Guidelines for the Safe Transport of Carcasses, Poultry and Meat Products
An important aspect of ensuring meat is safe to consume is how meat is transported after the slaughterhouse. This applies to anyone who handles, transports, distributes and stores meat products and carcasses destined for public sale and human consumption. This includes owners and operators of food premises, such as licensed slaughter facilities, butcher shops, food retailers and those who transport meat products to any of these facilities. A guideline has been developed that provides guidance for the safe transportation for carcasses, poultry and meat products.
- Guidelines for Cutting and Wrapping Uninspected Meat
This document provides guidance to approved food premises (e.g., butcher shops) that provide cut-and-wrap services for uninspected meat and/or game. Following this guideline should result in compliance with the general sanitation provisions of the Food Premises Regulation. The final outcome of this guideline is to ensure that inspected meat in BC is not contaminated.
- Guidelines for Donation of Culled Game Meat
These standards apply to situations in which wild ungulates are culled for management purposes and the meat is subsequently made available through a donation system. The high protein and low fat meat obtained from game animals, can greatly increase the dietary diversity and nutrition of economically disadvantaged recipients. As such, the benefits of donating wild game meat in these circumstances can outweigh any disadvantages or costs such a program may entail. All meat derived from these culls must be processed by approved facilities and must be donated to individuals or families for their personal consumption only, or to food bank intermediaries.
- Food Safety Guidelines for Food Banks
Food banks are unique in that they have very different needs than other foodservice/retail premises. Food banks rely mainly on donations; with that comes a whole variety of issues. The source of the food varies. The history of the food may be unknown. How was the food stored etc. The materials contained in this guideline are designed to be used as a resource for training staff and volunteers.
- Food Safety Guidelines for Soup Kitchens
The materials contained in this guideline are designed to be used as a resource for training staff and volunteers. Soup kitchens are unique in that they have very different needs from those of restaurant/retail premises. Soup kitchens rely mainly on donations, which raises a variety of issues. The source of the food varies. The history of the food may also be unknown. How was the food stored? How long was the food stored?
- Food Protection - Vital to Your Business
This publication covers planning a food business, getting and keeping an operating permit, ensuring safe food supplies, storing and displaying food, preparing, cooking, serving and dispensing food, illnesses and how to prevent them, cleaning and storing dishes and utensils, maintaining equipment, maintaining a food business, operating vending machines and information on the FoodSafe Training Program.
- Ensuring Food Safety - Writing Your Own Food Safety Plan - The HACCP Way
Food safety does not happen by accident. To prepare safe food, you must follow certain steps and procedures throughout the entire food preparation process. You have to think, and you have to pay attention to how you prepare food, to make sure it is safe. This is the basis for developing your own Food Safety Plan. A basic Food Safety Plan uses the "HACCP" method.
- Food Premises Operating Permits and Fees Guidelines
This guideline has been developed to assist Health Authorities in interpreting legislation and policy regarding the application of fees to operation of premises, in accordance with the Health Act Fees Regulation.
- Translated into Simple Chinese - Food Protection - Vital to Your Business
- Translated into Traditional Chinese - Food Protection - Vital to Your Business
- Translated into Punjabi - Food Protection - Vital to Your Business
- Translated into Chinese - Ensuring Food Safety - Writing Your Own Food Safety Plan - The HACCP Way
- Translated into Punjabi - Ensuring Food Safety - Writing Your Own Food Safety Plan - The HACCP Way
The information on these pages represent the work we do on behalf of the public, industry and government. Some of this information was written for the general public and some was written in technical language for public health.
Contact us:
Food Protection Services phone 604-707-2440
NCC Environmental Health phone 604-829-2551
Poison Control Centre phone 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911
