BACKGROUND
The Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17 (section 32) requires all operators of a food premises to have at least one food handler or supervisor on the premises who has completed food handler training during every hour in which the premises is operating. Food handler training can help increase food safety knowledge among food handlers, potentially reducing the risk of foodborne illness. It is evident in a study by Insfran-Rivarola, et. al (2020) that concluded food safety training has a significantly positive impact on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers towards food safety and hygiene. These findings highlight that food handler training, and knowledge is critical in reducing risks of contamination and preventing the incidence of foodborne illness.
Food handler training and certification is offered through Ontario public health units or providers that is recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health. To ensure food handler training programs are readily available and affordable for local food premises, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit currently offers a free online Food Handler course in English and French, as well as Spanish, Chinese and Arabic to meet the needs of our diverse community. In addition, there is a Food Handler manual providing course material to help food premises staff and operators to prepare for the certification exam. Numerous in-person food handler certification exams are made available in multiple languages throughout Windsor and Essex County (WEC) for a $10 fee.
Compliance to food handler certification is monitored and enforced by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs). In 2024, routine inspections of high- and moderate-risk food premises within WEC found that 1312 out of 1349 facilities were in compliance with food handler certification requirements, representing a compliance rate of 97%. As of October 2025, compliance improved to approximately 99.8% with 632 out of 633 facilities meeting the certification requirements. If food premises owners and operators are not in compliance with the food handler certification requirement, PHIs can take enforcement actions resulting in a monetary fine of $385. In WEC, there was a positive trend of compliance observed with 37 tickets issued in 2024, down to one ticket issued in 2025 suggesting progressive enforcement can help improve compliance.
Although the provincial requirement is to have a minimum of one certified food handler on-site at all times, the total number of certified staff is left to the operator’s discretion. PHIs may also recommend additional certified staff based on the type of food premises and the type of foods prepared. Evidence suggests that food premises with more certified food handlers onsite at any given time demonstrate higher compliance with food safety regulations. In a study by Barros et al., 2020, it was shown that increasing the number of certified food handlers can enhance overall compliance and improve premise food safety. Maintaining multiple certified food handlers on-site throughout all operating hours also ensures that knowledge of food safety practices is consistently applied, even during peak hours, staff absences, or turnover. Local municipalities can further strengthen existing food safety practices by enacting bylaws that mandate a higher number of certified food handlers in food premises. This proactive approach ensures continuous oversight, enhances operational efficiency, and promotes best practices in food handling.
PROPOSED MOTION
Whereas, food premises owners/operators are required to have at least one certified food handler on-site during all operating hours as set out in the O. Reg. 493/17
Whereas, safe food handling practices is necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect the health of the public; and
Whereas, it is recognized that food handler training, and certification increases food safety knowledge and promotes improved food handling practices; and
Whereas, local data indicates that enforcement of O. Reg. 493/17 in food premises within WEC has resulted in increased compliance with certified food handler requirements; and
Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health recommends that all WEC municipalities consider developing or updating by-law requirements for the licensing of food premise operators to include a requirement for the ongoing maintenance of 10% (at minimum) staff food handling certification rate during all hours of operation