Food Handler Certification - New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, every food premises operator must ensure at least one employee with valid Food Handler Certification is present during all operating hours to oversee food safety practices. This applies to food handlers such as chefs, servers, dishwashers, deli workers, and others who directly handle food. While not every staff member requires certification, it’s highly recommended for all food-handling employees to reduce health risks and ensure compliance with provincial standards. According to the New Brunswick Department of Health, foodborne illnesses impact thousands of residents annually, often linked to improper handling or contamination. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including fines, temporary closures, or orders from health inspectors during routine checks by regional health authorities.The New Brunswick Food Handler Certification course, available through SafeFoodHandler.ca, offers practical, province-specific training, typically completed in 6–8 hours online. Key topics include:

• Safe Food Handling: Techniques for proper food storage, preparation, and service to prevent contamination.
• Personal Hygiene: Best practices for handwashing, attire, and maintaining a sanitary workspace.
• Cross-Contamination Prevention: Methods to avoid mixing raw and cooked foods or allergens.
• Temperature Control: Guidelines for safe cooking, cooling, and storage temperatures.
• Sanitation Practices: Effective cleaning and sanitizing protocols for food premises.
• New Brunswick Regulations: Understanding provincial food safety laws and inspection requirements.