Employer Obligations And Employee Rights In The Food Service Industry

By Author: Samira Ali
Total Articles: 3
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In the food service industry, ensuring that food is prepared, handled, and served safely is critical for protecting public health. Employers play a vital role in making sure their staff receive the right training and certifications to uphold these standards. By adhering to provincial regulations, employers not only comply with legal requirements but also safeguard their business and customers. This article explores the obligations of food service employers when it comes to food handler certification, as well as the rights of employees regarding training and workplace policies.

Training and Certification Requirements

Employers in the food service industry are responsible for ensuring that their staff have the proper food safety training. In many provinces, including Ontario, at least one person with a food handlers certificate must be present during all operational hours. This means employers need to make sure their employees have completed the necessary training before they start working with food. Certificates typically need to be renewed every five years, so maintaining an updated certification for each employee ...
... is part of the employer’s ongoing responsibility.

In provinces like British Columbia, food safety training is more specific. For example, business owners or managers need to complete the FOODSAFE LEVEL 1 program to ensure they understand provincial food safety laws and can implement them effectively in their operations. This certification is mandatory for anyone operating a food service establishment in the province, and employers must verify that all relevant staff members are trained accordingly.

Implementing Workplace Policies

Beyond training, employers are also expected to implement clear workplace policies that promote food safety. These policies can include regular sanitation procedures, proper food storage practices, and ensuring that all staff understand and comply with the guidelines from their food handler certification training. Regularly reviewing and updating these policies ensures that the business continues to meet evolving standards and address new risks in food safety.

Employers should also foster a culture of continuous learning by encouraging staff to participate in refresher courses and additional training when necessary. For example, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training is required for employees who handle cleaning chemicals or other potentially hazardous substances in food service establishments. Employers must ensure that staff members complete their WHMIS certificate to meet legal requirements and prevent accidents or unsafe handling of materials in the workplace.
Employee Rights to Training and Safe Working Conditions

Employees in the food service industry have the right to receive proper training and work in a safe environment. When hired, workers should expect their employer to provide food safety training as part of their onboarding process. Employers must also ensure that workers have access to the necessary resources to perform their duties safely, including protective equipment and clear safety protocols.

If an employee feels their training is insufficient or that food safety standards are not being upheld in their workplace, they have the right to raise these concerns without fear of retaliation. Employers must listen to these concerns and take appropriate action, whether by providing additional training or adjusting workplace policies to improve safety measures.

Conclusion

In the food service industry, maintaining high standards of food safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. Employers are tasked with providing essential training, ensuring proper certifications are obtained, and implementing strong workplace policies that support ongoing safety efforts. On the other hand, employees have the right to expect thorough training and safe working conditions, making it crucial for both parties to collaborate on meeting these goals. By staying compliant with regulations and promoting a culture of safety, employers help protect both their business and their customers.