Food Safety

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DURHAM
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If you require this information in an accessible format, contact 1-888-777-9613

March 2015

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction
What is Food Handler Certification? ........................................................................................
Why is it relevant to you? ...............................................................................................
Role of the Health Department .................................................................................................
Public Health Legislation..............................................................................................................
Tickets & Information under the Provincial Offences Act ...............................................
HACCP & Inspections......................................................................................................................
Consequences of Foodborne Illness........................................................................................

1
1
1
1
2
2
4

Chapter 2 - Foodborne Illness

Microorganisms................................................................................................................................
Bacteria..................................................................................................................................
Viruses....................................................................................................................................
Parasites.................................................................................................................................
Yeasts, Mould, Fungi..........................................................................................................

8
8
10
10
11

Chemicals & Allergens....................................................................................................................

Metals.....................................................................................................................................
Poisonous Chemicals .......................................................................................................
Poisonous Plants ...............................................................................................................
Poisonous Animals ...........................................................................................................
Intentional Additives........................................................................................................
Unintentional Additives..................................................................................................

11
11
11
11
11
11
12

Chapter 3 - Personal Hygiene ................................................................................................................... 14

Preventing Food Contamination From the Body................................................................. 14
Handwashing.................................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 4 - Safe Food Sources and Food Storage............................................................................. 18
Safe Food Sources...........................................................................................................................
Water .....................................................................................................................................
Dairy .......................................................................................................................................
Meat........................................................................................................................................
Poultry....................................................................................................................................
Fish..........................................................................................................................................
Eggs .......................................................................................................................................
Canned Food.......................................................................................................................

18
18
19
19
19
19
19
20

Safe Food Storage............................................................................................................................

Food Storage.......................................................................................................................
Stock Rotation....................................................................................................................
Temperature........................................................................................................................
Food Containers.................................................................................................................
Packaging.............................................................................................................................
Transferring Food...............................................................................................................

20
20
21
21
22
22
22

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Table of Contents
Chapter 5 - Temperature........................................................................................................................... 24
Delivery of Food Products...........................................................................................................
Thawing..............................................................................................................................................
Cooking Temperatures.................................................................................................................
Food Preparation............................................................................................................................
Taking Accurate Temperatures..................................................................................................
Hot Holding.......................................................................................................................................
Cooling................................................................................................................................................
Cold Holding.....................................................................................................................................
Freezing..............................................................................................................................................
Sushi.....................................................................................................................................................
Reheating...........................................................................................................................................
Summary of Time/Temperature Practices.............................................................................

25
26
26
28
28
29
29
30
30
30
30
31

Chapter 6 - Cross-Contamination and Sanitation............................................................................. 33

Cross-Contamination....................................................................................................................
Hands....................................................................................................................................
Food.......................................................................................................................................
Equipment...........................................................................................................................

33
33
33
34

Preventing Cross-Contamination............................................................................................. 35
Cleaning and Sanitizing................................................................................................................
Approved Sanitizers.........................................................................................................
Manual Dishwashing.......................................................................................................
Wash In Place for Large Equipment and Surfaces................................................
Wiping Cloths.....................................................................................................................
Mechanical Dishwashing...............................................................................................

35
36
36
37
38
38

Chapter 7 - Food Premises Sanitation................................................................................................... 40

Food Premises Sanitation............................................................................................................
Floors, Ceilings and Walls...............................................................................................
Sanitary Facilities...............................................................................................................
Garbage................................................................................................................................
Lighting................................................................................................................................
Ventilation...........................................................................................................................
Dry Storage.........................................................................................................................
Pest Control ......................................................................................................................................
Live Animals in a Food Premise.................................................................................................

40
40
40
40
40
41
41
41
42

Chapter 8 - DineSafe Durham ................................................................................................................. 44

Food Safety Inspection Disclosure Program........................................................................ 44
Glossary of Terms.......................................................................................................................................... 46

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Chapter 1 - Introduction
At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
What is Food Handler Training
Legislation that governs food premises
Regulation of food premises
Responsibilities of a food premise operator or food handler
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Consequences of foodborne illness

What is Food Handler Certification?

Food handler certification includes completing an educational program that has been developed for food
handlers to increase their awareness of safe food handling practices. It requires studying the food
handler training manual, either as a home study or in a class setting, and then writing a multiple choice
exam.
Once the food handler certification exam has been completed successfully, a certificate is issued to the
food handler. This certificate is valid throughout Ontario.
Why is it relevant to you?

Food premise operators prefer to hire certified food handlers.

Becoming certified helps you to learn how to reduce and eliminate the risk of foodborne illness.

The food handler training manual provides insight as to what areas of food safety are monitored.

The program incorporates HACCP concepts which are integral to the food service industry.

Operators of a food premise are responsible for maintaining and operating the food premises
according to the regulations.

Employees in a food premise must comply with the standards and requirements prescribed in the
regulations.

Role of the Health Department

The rules governing food premises are developed by the Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care
(MOHLTC) and passed into law by the Province of Ontario. In Durham Region, the Health Department is
responsible for enforcement of these laws.

Public Health Legislation:

Health Protection and Promotion Act
The Health Protection and Promotion Act is the main piece of legislation that contains the laws in Ontario
that oversee public health matters. Enacted in 1985, The Health Protection and Promotion Act provides the
mandate to make regulations, programs and protocols which govern food premises.public health
inspectors use this legislation to confirm compliance with regulations made under the Act.

Ontario Regulation 562

Regulations made under this Act include the Food Premises Regulation, R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 562, as
amended ("Food Premises Regulation"). The Food Premises Regulation governs the preparation and sale of
food to the public and applies to all persons that own and operate food establishments. It is a provincial
law that is administered bypublic health inspectors.public health inspectors educate, enforce and
promote food safety under the Food Premises Regulation.

Small Drinking Water Systems Regulation 318/319

The Small Drinking Water Systems Regulation 318/319 addresses drinking water systems within specific
food premises.public health inspectors conduct risk assessments, issue Directives and follow-up with
compliance of the Regulations.

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The Health Protection and Promotion Act also defines the powers ofpublic health inspectors.
These powers include:
the Power of Entry
the Power of Seizure
the Power to issue Orders (closure orders, etc.)
Power of Entry
Public health inspector may enter any place of business during normal work hours, without a warrant, for
the purposes of carrying out the Act. This would include inspections, or the investigation of complaints
or health hazards.
A health hazard is any condition of a premise, or a substance, thing, plant or animal other than man,
or a solid, liquid, gas or combination of any of them, that has or is likely to have an adverse effect on
the health of any person.
Health Protection and Promotion Act
Power of Seizure
Public Health Inspectors may seize anything suspected of being a health hazard for laboratory testing or
destruction. These items may include suspect food, equipment or other items.
Power to Issue Orders
Orders may be either verbal or written and are issued to eliminate a health hazard.

Tickets & Information/Summons under the Provincial Offences Act

Public health inspectors may also issue Tickets or Provincial Offence Notices under the Provincial
Offences Act for violations that are observed on a repeat basis when the owner/operator has not complied
with the Regulation. Tickets carry a set fine amount which does not exceed $500.
A summons requires the owner/operator to appear in court rather than pay a set fine. A trial will proceed
and a Justice of the Peace will determine the outcome. A conviction under Part I summons carries a
maximum fine of $1000 per day for each day the offence occurs for an individual, and for a corporation. A
conviction under Part III summons carries a maximum fine of $5,000 per day for each day the offence
occurs for an individual, and $25 000 per day for each day the offence occurs for a corporation.

HACCP & Inspections

The HACCP program is used to evaluate food handling standards. It is also used as an educational tool to
facilitate food audits so that food handlers will be able to conduct self-inspections and reduce the risk of
foodborne illness.
HACCP is an inspection system that identifies critical control points (CCPs) during the storage, preparation,
and service of hazardous foods (any food that is capable of supporting the growth of disease-causing
organisms or the production of toxins of such organisms). A CCP is a point, step, or procedure in a food
handling process at which control can be applied and, as a result, a food safety hazard can be prevented,
eliminated, or reduced to an acceptable level. A food safety hazard is any biological, chemical, or physical
property that may cause a food to be unsafe for human consumption. CCPs can be grouped as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Proper time/temperature procedures

Good personal hygiene
Cross-contamination prevention
Cleaning & sanitizing
Safe food supplies

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Two examples of CCPs include:

1.
2.

Proper hand washing when handling food because dirty hands can contaminate food.
Properly washing and sanitizing a cutting board or knife after preparing raw chicken to prevent
cross-contamination of ready-to-eat foods.

The HACCP system consists of seven principles:

Principle 1: Conduct a hazard analysis. Determine the food safety hazards and identify the
preventative measures that can apply to control these hazards.
Principle 2: Identify critical control points.
Principle 3: Establish critical limits for each critical control point. A critical limit is the maximum or
minimum value to which a physical, biological, or chemical hazard must be controlled at a critical
control point to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the hazard to an acceptable level.
Principle 4: Establish critical control point monitoring requirements. Monitoring activities are
necessary to ensure that the process is under control at each critical control point.
Principle 5: Establish corrective actions. These are actions to be taken when monitoring indicates a
deviation from an established critical limit. The final rule requires a HACCP plan to identify the
corrective actions to be taken if a critical limit is not met. Corrective actions are intended to ensure
that no food injurious to health or otherwise adulterated as a result of the deviation is served to the
public.
Principle 6: Establish record keeping procedures. The HACCP plan requires food premises to
document its hazard analysis and records documenting the monitoring of critical control points,
critical limits, verification activities, and the handling of processing deviations.
Principle 7: Establish
procedures for
ensuring the HACCP
system is working as
intended. Food
premises should ensure
that their HACCP plan is
working and they are
successful in ensuring
the production of safe
food.

The Ten Most Important Contributory Factors in Foodborne Illness

1. Improper Cooling:
Leaving cooked foods at room temperature
Storing foods in large containers in the refrigerator
2. Lapse of 12 hours or more between preparation and eating
3. Colonized/infected persons handling foods
4. Inadequate reheating

Food premises are required to

be inspected regularly in
accordance with the standards
set out by the MOHLTC.

5. Improper hot holding

6. Contaminated raw foods/ingredients
7. Food from unsafe source
8. Improper cleaning of equipment and utensils
9. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked foods
10.

Inadequate cooking

SOURCE: Bryan, Frank L 1990. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems for Retail Food
& Restaurant Operation. Journal of Environmental Health 53 (11). p978

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Ranking of Food Identified as being Associated with Foodborne Illness

Rank

Food Items (1 = highest risk, 10 = lowest risk)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Poultry (e.g. raw and cooked chicken & turkey, gravy)

Beef & veal (e.g. raw and cooked beef & veal, gravy, ground meat dishes)
Pork & ham (e.g. raw & cooked pork & ham, gravy, ground meat dishes)
Fish & seafood (shellfish)
Mixed salads (e.g. eggs, potatoes, tuna, etc.)
Rice Dishes
Dairy products (excluding pasteurized fluid milk & ice cream)
Cream pastries, pudding and cream pie filling
Ice cream, non-cream pastries, canned goods
Dried foods (e.g. cereal products)

When dealing with food safety issues, more attention will be given to poultry (#1 ranking) than with dried
food e.g. cereal products (#10 ranking).

The Ten Most Riskiest Foods Regulated by the FDA

As Reported by the Center for Science in the Public Interest
As identified in the last chart, foods with high protein and water content are the most common sources of
foodborne pathogens. But what are the riskiest foods in today's supermarkets? You might be in for a
surprise
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Food Item
Leafy greens
Shell eggs
Tuna
Oysters
Potatoes
Cheese
Ice cream
Tomatoes
Sprouts
Berries

Pathogens Associated With Food Item

-E. coli O157:H7, Norovirus, Salmonella
-Salmonella
-Scombrotoxin, Norovirus, Salmonella
-Norovirus, Vibrio
-Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, Listeria
-Salmonella, Listeria
-Salmonella, Staphylcoccus, Listeria
-Salmonella, Norovirus
-Salmonella, E. coli
-Hepatitis A, Cyclospora
suffering
(illness)
medical
costs

bankruptcy

Consequences of Foodborne Illness

Several studies have shown that foodborne illness
outbreaks are costly. In Ontario, millions of dollars a year
are expended to diagnose and treat foodborne illnesses.
Practicing safe food handling can prevent foodborne
illnesses. Pathogens that may be present in the food must
be destroyed and new pathogens must not be allowed to
enter the food products.

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loss of
employment

loss of
productivity

investigative
costs

litigation

loss of
reputation

reduction in
business

Home Study Guide

Bacterial
Infection

Bacterial
Intoxication

EXPLANATION

EXAMPLES

INCUBATION USUAL SOURCES

PERIOD

The bacteria
causes illness

Campylobacter

1-10 days

raw milk, poultry,

raw meats, water,
humans

Salmonella

6-72 hours

humans, poultry,
raw meats, water

Shigella

12-96 hours

humans, water

Yersinia

3-7 days

animals, humans,
water

Bacillus cereus

1-24 hours

soil, rice

Staphylococcus
aureus

1-8 hours

humans, animals

Botulism
(Clostridium
botulinum)

12 hours8 days

soil, animals

Poison (toxin)
produced by
bacteria causes
illness

Infection/toxin
producing
bacteria
(Toxicoinfection)

Both the bacteria

and the poison
(toxin) it
produces causes
illness

Clostridium
perfringens

8-22 hours

humans, animals,
soil

Escherichia coli
(E. coli)
O157:H7

2-10 days

humans, animals

Viruses

Virus causes
illness

Norovirus

24-48 hours

humans

Hepatitis A

15-50 days

Rotavirus

1-4 days

humans, water,
shellfish
humans

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Parasites

INCUBATION USUAL SOURCES

PERIOD

EXPLANATION

EXAMPLES

Microscopic
animals that
cause illness

Giardia lamblia

3-25 days

humans, animals,
water

Trichinosis

7-30 days

pork, bear, wild

boar

Anisakiasis

A few hours
raw fish
to a few weeks

Protozoa
(protozoa are
single celled
parasites)

Protozoa cause
illness

Dysentery

10 hours to
7 days

humans, water

Intentional
Additives

Chemical causes
illness

nitrites, sulfites

1-2 hours

food preservatives

monosodium
glutamates (MSG)

minutes to 1
hour

MSG flavour
enhancer

solanine poisoning

30 minutes to
2 hours

green potato skins

mushroom
poisoning

30 minutes to
2 hours

wild mushroom
Amanita muscaria

diarrhetic shellfish
poisoning

- 12 hours

shellfish

Poisonous
Plants

Poisonous
Animals

Chemical in food
causes illness

Chemical in food
causes illness

paralytic/neurologic a few minutes shellfish (mussels,

shellfish poisoning
to 30 minutes clams)

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Study Questions & Notes

1. What does HACCP stand for?

2. What is a Critical Control Point (CCP)?

3. What is an example of a CCP?

4. What regulation is enforced by Public Health Inspectors?

Is it from provincial or federal legislation?

5. What is the definition of a health hazard?

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Chapter 2 - Foodborne Illness

At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
The terms microorganisms, pathogen, foodborne illness and toxin
The difference between an infection and intoxication
The conditions needed for germs to survive and grow
The definitions for food allergy, anaphylaxis, and food intolerance
The emergency procedure for an allergic reaction

Microorganisms
Some microorganisms are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye, they can
only be seen with a microscope. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and parasites are all
microorganisms. They can be found naturally in the environment (air, soil, water), on the
inside and outside of our bodies, on plants, animals, insects, and also in food.
Pathogens, or pathogenic microorganisms, are microorganisms that cause illness or disease. Pathogenic
microorganisms do not affect the flavour, colour, texture, or odour of foods. Very young children, the
elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are at higher risk of becoming ill after eating food or water
contaminated with pathogens.
Pathogens are classified as follows:

Bacteria: Bacteria are single-celled organisms that divide approximately every 20 minutes under ideal
conditions. They are one of the most common and dangerous causes of foodborne illness. Pathogenic
bacteria are most commonly found in foods of animal origin (e.g. salmonella in raw chicken) or can be
introduced into food by food handlers (e.g. poor hygiene). They cause infection, intoxication, or
toxicoinfection.
a) Infection-producing bacteria include Campylobacter, Salmonella and Listeria. Foods contaminated
with these pathogens make people ill when ingested. The amount of pathogens it takes to make
a person ill depends on the type of pathogen and an individual's immune status. In addition, the
type and amount of pathogens will determine the time it takes for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and sometimes vomiting.
Example: A food handler is cooking barbecue chicken. He does not cook the chicken to the proper
temperature and he serves it to his customers. The customers later become sick because the
chicken was contaminated with Campylobacter.

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b) Intoxication is caused by toxin-producing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (found in the

nose and throat of 70% of humans, and in infected cuts, pimples and boils) and Bacillus cereus
(found in foods grown in soil, such as rice and grains). If allowed to multiply in food, these
pathogens will produce toxins that make people ill. Some toxins are heat resistant and can survive
normal cooking temperatures. Symptoms start with vomiting and stomach cramps and may be
followed by diarrhea.
Example: A food handler covers their mouth with their hand as they sneeze, so as not to
contaminate the egg salad being prepared. Then they remove their gloves and put on a new pair
without washing their hands, allowing the new pair to become contaminated. They continue
preparing the egg salad and it is then left out at room temperature for a few hours, allowing the
bacteria to multiply and produce toxin. The egg salad, containing toxins produced by
Staphylococcus aureus, is then served for lunch, making people ill.
c) Toxicoinfection is caused by infection/toxin-producing bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E.
coli) and Clostridium perfringens. They cause illness when they are ingested as they produce toxins
while multiplying in the body.
Example: A food handler washes vegetables with untreated well water. The water is contaminated
with E. coli. The vegetables are used to make a salad, which is then served. Customers who ate the
contaminated salad become ill.
Food can contain enough bacteria to make you ill (infective dose) long before there is any sign of spoilage.
Toxins produced by certain bacteria are colourless, odourless, tasteless, and do not change the texture of
foods.

Number of Microorganisms Needed to Cause Illness

Salmonella

Example

Campylobacter

Salmonella

Healthy Adult
Persons at Risk
Very Young
Very Old
Sick
Objective

Food Safety Training and Certification

Campylobacter

Norovirus

Norovirus

100,000

100

1 to 2

100

1 to 10

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Number of Organisms
Per Gram of Food

Time vs. Growth of Microorganisms

1 Billion/gram
SLIME

50 C

100 Million/gram

0C

OFFODOUR

100C

10 Million/gram
1 Million/gram

INFECTIVE DOSE
(SALMONELLA)

100,000/gram
10,000/gram

10

12

14

16

18

Days
Foodborne illness is caused by eating foods contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and/or
chemicals.
The following five factors affect the growth of microorganisms in food:
1. Type of food pathogens need vitamins, nutrients, minerals and proteins.
2. Time pathogens double every 20 minutes under the right conditions. In a few hours one
microorganism can multiply into millions.
3. Temperature most pathogens grow between 4C and 60 C (best at 37 C). Some, like Listeria, grow
even in temperatures below 4C.
4. pH pH is a measure to determine if a substance is acidic or alkaline (acidic foods like vinegar or
lemon are sour while alkaline foods are bitter). Pathogens prefer food that is neutral or slightly acidic.
5. Moisture pathogens need a certain amount of water in food to grow. Available Water Activity (Aw)
is the measurement of the water content of food; therefore foods with a high Aw are more conducive
to pathogenic growth.

Viruses: Viruses, such as Norovirus and Hepatitis A, are smaller than

Virus
bacteria. They do not multiply in food. Instead, they grow in living cells
(e.g. people and animals). They can be spread to food by an infected
individual (i.e. food handlers) or contaminated work surfaces. If the food
carrying the virus is consumed, illness can result. All viruses survive well
under refrigeration temperatures. They are often associated with products
that have high salt or sugar content or with seafood. Examples: Norovirus
causes viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) and affects millions of people worldwide
every year. Hepatitis A is a virus associated with contaminated seafood and water.

Bacteria

Parasites: Parasites, such as Trichinella spiralis and Diphyllobothrium latum, are multi-cellular organisms
that live off of a host. They are larger than bacteria and viruses and some can be seen with the naked eye.
When ingested, they can grow inside you where they may lay eggs and cause illness. Examples: Trichinella
spiralis, a roundworm, is associated with undercooked pork or wild meats (e.g. boar, bear). It can be
destroyed by freezing for 21 days at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius or lower, or by cooking to proper
temperatures. Diphyllobothrium latum, a tapeworm, is associated with raw and inadequately cooked fish
such as sushi. Giardia lamblia, a cyst (egg), is associated with untreated water.

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Yeasts, Mould, and Fungi: Yeast, mould and fungi are often seen by the
naked eye. They are known as spoilage organisms and they require
moisture to grow and reproduce by releasing spores into the air. Some
Aspergillus
produce poisonous, invisible mycotoxins that can cause illness when
flavus
they penetrate inside the food and are ingested. Scraping off surface
mould on food does not completely remove the mycotoxin and the
mould. It is therefore best to throw out any product that contains mould to
prevent potential illness.
Examples: Aspergillus flavus is a common type of mould found on cheese.

Mould

Chemicals & Allergens

Chemical food poisoning or intoxication can occur if chemicals get into food during transportation,
storage and/or preparation of the food. Chemical food poisoning accounts for a small percentage of
reported food poisoning cases in Ontario; however, they can be lethal. Symptoms include vomiting,
nausea, and abdominal pain. Chemical food poisonings are classified as follows:

Metals: Equipment, containers, or utensils which are not in good repair and/or made of toxic or corrosive
materials can allow dangerous metals to leach out into the food and cause poisonings. All equipment,
containers, or utensils used for the storage or preparation of food must be made of food-safe (non-toxic)
materials designed for these purposes. Example: Storing high acid foods in an open galvanized container
(i.e. tin can) is not an acceptable practice.
Poisonous Chemicals: All the chemicals used for cleaning (i.e. detergents), sanitizing (i.e. quaternary
ammonium products) or other purposes in the food service area must be stored in properly labelled
containers and kept in a separate storage area. The manufacturer's original container with the warning
and first aid labels must be used, in order to prevent accidental exposure.
Example: A food handler prepares a sanitizing solution of bleach and water in an unlabelled clear water
bottle. The chef, assuming this is water, uses the solution in his food preparation. This can result in
chemical food poisoning if someone ingests the contaminated food.

Poisonous Plants: Certain foods contain natural chemicals that can cause foodborne illness (such as
solanine in green potato skins). Certain wild mushrooms can contain poisons (i.e. Amanita muscaria).
Always purchase products from an approved supplier, to ensure they are safe to eat.

Poisonous Animals: Certain animals contain natural chemicals that can cause foodborne illness (i.e.
puffer fish, mussels). Always purchase products from an approved supplier.
Intentional Additives: Food allergens are substances (food or additives) that trigger an allergic
reaction. These allergens might not be destroyed through the cooking process. Common allergens
include nuts (peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts), sesame seeds, dairy products, eggs, fish and
shellfish.

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A food allergy may occur when the body's immune system over-reacts to a food allergen. Symptoms may
include rash, hives, swelling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, runny nose, choking, itching, scratching
and wheezing. Symptoms can occur immediately to several hours after ingestion of the food. The worst
type of allergic reaction is called anaphylactic shock, where the symptoms are more severe and can result
in death.
If you are asked a question about food allergies, do not guess: provide an ingredient list where possible or
tell them that you do not have enough information to ensure their safety. Be honest. Inaccurate or
incorrect information can be life-threatening to an individual with food allergies.
A food intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest a certain food. A reaction is triggered by the
amount of food ingested or how the body processes the food. For example, a person who is lactose
intolerant will not be able to digest dairy products such as milk.
Emergency Procedures for an allergic reaction should be posted in the food premise. All staff should be
familiar with these procedures.
For a suspected allergic reaction:
Call 911
Make sure to inform the emergency operator that you suspect the victim is having an allergic reaction
Provide the exact location and telephone number of your premise

Unintentional Additives: Objects (glass, broken equipment, jewellery, etc.) that accidentally get in
food is also a potential hazard (choking, broken teeth, internal cuts, etc.). Therefore, it is important to
protect food with tightly sealed lids/covers that will reduce the risk of contamination.

Glass found in food

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Study Questions & Notes

1.

What is a pathogen? List some examples.

2.

What are the two primary sources of pathogenic bacteria?

3.

What is the difference between bacterial intoxication and bacterial infection?

4.

What five conditions are necessary for the growth of microorganisms?

5.

What is chemical intoxication? Give an example.

6.

What is a food allergy and what is the emergency procedure if someone is having an
allergic reaction?

7.

How do viruses get into food?

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Chapter 3 - Personal Hygiene

At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
The four main areas of the body that may contain pathogens
How to prevent microorganisms from spreading from the body to food
The proper handwashing method
What activities are not permitted during food preparation
What to do before beginning your shift

About 25% of all foodborne illnesses are caused by lapses in personal hygiene by the food handler. You
can contaminate food, making it unsafe by improper handling or contact.
The four main areas of the body that may contain pathogens are:
1. HEAD - nose, throat and hair
2. LUNGS - respiratory disease, coughing
3. RECTUM - fecal matter
4. HANDS - cuts, burns, open sores, diseased skin and dirty fingernails

Preventing Food Contamination From The Body

The Head and Lung Areas
Human hair is heavily contaminated with microbes. Some of these microbes may be pathogenic;
therefore, you must keep hair out of food. It is also important to keep your hands from touching your hair
when preparing food or handling food contact surfaces.
Coughs or sneezes project and disperse microbes, such as Staphylococcus aureus, over an area of about
two square meters from your mouth.

Ways to prevent contamination:

Properly confine hair (including bangs and beard) to prevent it from falling
into food.

Cough into a disposable tissue, throw the tissue out and wash your hands.

Do not cough or sneeze onto food, food preparation equipment, utensils,

or food contact surfaces. If you do, throw out all affected foods; clean
contaminated surfaces and then sanitize.

Report all respiratory illnesses to your supervisor.

Do not taste food with your hands. Use a clean, unused utensil to taste food
each time.

Avoid habits that allow contact between your mouth and hands or surfaces
(e.g. opening bags by blowing into them, biting fingernails, smoking, licking fingers, chewing a
toothpick, etc.).

Do not touch your nose, boils, pimples, or piercings while working with food.

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The Rectum Area

If you have diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting, report symptoms to your supervisor
immediately. Do not handle food when you have these symptoms. If you have or have had
diarrhea, do not handle food until you are symptom-free for at least 48 hours. The levels of
pathogens being shed by your body when you have diarrhea are so high that even proper
handwashing will not reduce the number to safe levels.

Always wash your hands after using the toilet. Even if you are healthy or have recovered from an
illness, there may still be pathogens in your fecal matter which can make other people sick.

The Hands
Hands are our tools in the kitchen. It is important to protect the integrity of our
hands. Cracks, dermatitis, and breaks in the skin make proper handwashing
difficult. Similarly, the grooves, pores, folds, and crevices in the skin trap dirt
and microbes; these areas are difficult to clean. While frequent handwashing
is necessary, some steps may be taken to reduce the wear and tear on your
skin. Keeping hands warm in the winter (through the use of gloves or mitts),
keeping your hands moisturized, and reducing the use of antibacterial soaps all
help to maintain the health of your skin. Remember, skin is your first line of
defence against infection.

Handwashing is the most important step to prevent food contamination and foodborne illness.
If you have any cuts, burns, open sores, or skin diseases on your hands, report it to your supervisor
immediately. You will be required to wear gloves if handling food.
Avoid touching food with your bare hands: try to use proper utensils to handle food, such as tongs.
Keep fingernails short and use a nailbrush to remove any microorganisms under the nails. Do not
share nailbrushes.
If you wear gloves during food handling, they must be changed frequently and between tasks to
prevent cross-contamination of pathogenic microorganisms from contaminated surfaces and raw
food to ready-to-eat food. Proper and timely handwashing and the use of utensils are required, even
when gloves are worn.
Wear disposable, water-tight gloves that are vinyl, nitrile, neoprene, or polyethylene gloves. Do not
use latex gloves due to potential allergic reactions.
Do not wear artificial nails or nail polish.
Do not wear jewellery on your hands and wrists, because it can trap dirt and pathogens. Rings with
sharp protrusions may puncture gloves, negating their barrier effect. It is also possible to lose the
stone from your ring or bracelet in the food.
Never wipe your hands on a cloth or the front of your clothes or apron. This will pass microorganisms
back onto your hands. Always wipe hands on disposable paper towels or use a hand dryer.
Alcohol based hand rub (i.e. hand sanitizers) are NOT a replacement for handwashing.

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Handwashing
Pathogens are frequently transferred from place to place by human hands. It is important that employees
wash their hands properly and frequently in order to prevent the contamination of food and food contact
surfaces.
1. Wet hands with warm water
2. Apply liquid soap
3. Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds to create lather
4. Rinse with warm water
5. Dry hands with paper towels or hand dryer
6. Turn off taps with paper towels

When to wash your hands:

Before starting your shift

After using the washroom
After sneezing or coughing into your hands
After touching chemicals
After touching raw products
such as raw meats and
vegetables, and when hands are
contaminated
When hands are visibly soiled
After handling money
Before and after smoking, taking a
break, or eating
1.
Before preparing and serving food
As needed throughout the day

HANDWASHING

Wet hands

2. Apply liquid soap

3. Scrub backs of hands,

between fingers, thumbs
and around fingernails
for at least 20 seconds

5. Towel dry

6. Turn off taps with towel

Summary
Before you begin your shift,
you should:

Change into clean outer clothes

or uniforms

Confine your hair and beard

Remove jewellery

Wash your hands using the six-step

handwashing method

Food Safety Training and Certification

4. Rinse

REMEMBER,
proper handwashing can remove germs that make you sick
DURHAM
REGION

For more information, please contact Environmental Help Line at 1-888-777-9613 or www.durham.ca

DUHEV-280

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Oct. 09

Home Study Guide

Study Questions & Notes

1.

You are scheduled to work today but you have diarrhea. What should you do, and when
can you return to work?

2.

What are the four main areas of the body that may contain pathogens?

3.

What are the six steps of handwashing?

4.

You have sneezed onto a cutting board. What should you do now?

5.

When should you wash your hands?

6.

When do you use alcohol-based hand rub?

7. What should you do before you begin your shift?

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Chapter 4 - Safe Food Sources and

Food Storage
At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
Ensuring a safe water supply
What to look for when checking meat and poultry sources
What to look for when examining canned food
What food items are not to be used in food preparation
The six factors for storing food safely

To understand the information in this chapter you must be familiar with the following terms:
Contaminate:

To make food unsafe by improper handling or contact.

Ready-to-eat food:

Food items that can be eaten as is. These include all cooked and heat processed
food even if they have been cooled or frozen. Examples include: washed
vegetables, pre-cooked meats, salads, cooked pies.

Toxic:

Substances that are potentially harmful and poisonous if ingested.

Safe Food Sources

To ensure food items received are safe, all food premises should:
1.

Use only food from approved and inspected sources. Ensure records or receipts for all food products
are provided and retained on-site for one year.

Water
Any water used in a food establishment must be from an approved source that
is safe for consumption (potable source). This may be from a municipal
source or a private water supply, such as a well. All private water supplies
must be tested regularly to ensure that they are safe for consumption
(bacteriological test for Total Coliform and E. coli).
A private water system servicing a food premise may be legislated under the
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) Regulation Small Drinking
Water Systems Regulation 318/319. The Durham Region Health Department will
conduct risk assessments and issue Directives to the owner of the water system.
If the well water is contaminated, the Health Department should be contacted immediately. A disinfection
device (such as a chlorinator, ultra-violet light or other approved system) must be installed in order to
make the water safe. Daily monitoring/testing/recording is necessary to make sure the equipment
operates effectively.

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Dairy
All dairy products (milk, cream, cheese, etc.) used in a food establishment must be pasteurized and
purchased from an approved source.

Meat
Check for stamps on large carcasses and labels on pre-packaged items.

Poultry
Look for tags from a federally or provincially inspected plant
(on the whole carcass).

Fish
Ensure the product is from an approved and
inspected source.

Eggs
Only use Grade A or B eggs. Do not use Grade C or ungraded eggs.

Egg Grading
Albumen
Yolk
Shell
Use

Grade A
Firm
Round, well
centered
Clean, no cracks,
normal shape
Sold at retail
markets for
household use

Grade B
Watery
Slightly flattened

Grade C
Thin and watery
Loose

No crack, but rough

texture
Used for
commercial baking
or further
processing

May be cracked
Not sold to
consumers; sold to
commercial
processors for
further processing

Source: On Cooking A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals, Canadian Edition, Prentice-Hall Canada Inc., 1999, p.155

2.

Check the "best before/expiry" dates for food where applicable. If the food is past the date, do not
accept it. The manufacturer/producer guarantees the product will be in peak condition until the
"best before" date. The food can still be consumed after the "best before" date. Do not consume food
past the "expiry" date, as it is considered unsafe for consumption.

3.

Check the seals on vacuum packaged food. Do no accept food items if the vacuum seal on the
package is broken; the contents may be contaminated.

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Canned Food
4.

Check all cans. Look for bulging lids or bottoms, leaky seams or lids, dents, and rust. Best practice: if
any of these conditions are present, throw out the contents immediately. Wash and sanitize any food
preparation equipment and/or surfaces that the food has touched. Do not taste-test the food as it
could make you sick.

IMPORTANT: The following foods or ingredients should never be used in food products for sale:
Cracked eggs, ungraded eggs or grade C eggs.
Food made in uninspected private homes or uninspected premises. Preparation, storage and
transportation of these food items cannot be monitored or controlled in a private home or premise
that is not inspected.
Home-canned products.
Fish and shellfish from uninspected sources.
Unpasteurized milk or milk products.
Water or ice from a contaminated or unapproved water source.
Uninspected or illegal meat, poultry and any products made from them.

Safe Food Storage

Once you have checked to make sure that the food is from a safe source, it is important to protect the food
from contamination and and to store it safely.
The following factors are to be considered when storing food:

1. Food Storage
Check temperatures of hazardous food products upon delivery. Food products received are to be
stored immediately in either dry storage rooms/shelves or a temperature controlled unit (depending
on the food item).
a) Dry food and chemical storage:

All food items must be stored at least 15 cm (6 inches) off of the floor. All surfaces must be smooth,
easily cleanable and corrosion-free. All food items must be covered with food-grade material at all
times.

The storage room itself must be well-lit, ventilated and free of dirt, mould and pests.

All chemicals must be stored separately from any food products, food packaging or food service
items. Examples of chemical compounds are cleaning agents, sanitizers and degreasers.

b) Cold holding units:

All cooked and ready-to-eat food items requiring refrigeration must be covered or wrapped and
located above raw meats, poultry, fish and seafood. The juices of these raw meats and fish contain
pathogenic bacteria. Proper storage location prevents the dripping of raw juices onto ready-toeat food and will prevent contamination of these products.

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Unwashed vegetables and fruit may also have pathogenic bacteria, pesticides or herbicides (e.g.
apples falling to the ground at harvest can become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria like
E. coli). Unwashed fruits and vegetables should be stored below ready-to-eat food items and above
raw meats, poultry and seafood.

Proper Food Storage in a Cold Holding Unit:

Top shelf:
Ready-to-eat foods (e.g. salads, sandwiches, cooked
meat and vegetables, cheese and dairy).

Middle shelf:
Products that require washing but no further
temperature treatment prior to use (e.g. unwashed
fruits and vegetables).

Bottom shelf:
Raw (uncooked) meats (e.g. poultry, beef, fish and seafood).
To maintain food at a safe temperature (4C/40F or lower),
leave space around the food items to allow air
to circulate.

2. Stock Rotation

Do not mix old or leftover products with new stock. Use up all of the old food first.

Wash and sanitize the container then refill with fresh new food. This is of particular importance with
bulk food storage in food premises such as supermarkets, bulk food stores and bakeries.

Use the first in, first out (FIFO) rule for proper stock rotation. Date your items so you know which
food items are the oldest and should be used first.

Check all best before and expiry dates. If the food is expired DO NOT USE
THE PRODUCT.

3. Temperature

All hazardous food items must be stored at the proper temperature of 4C (40F) or lower for cold
food and 60C (140F) or higher for hot food. When freezing hazardous food, the temperature of the
food must be kept at -18C (0F) or colder.
NOTE: Once frozen hazardous food has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Any bacteria present
will have an opportunity to multiply. The quality (taste, texture) of the food may also deteriorate.

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Home Study Guide

Dry food should be kept cool and free of moisture to prevent mould growth and spoilage. Dampness
and warmth may also allow eggs of pests (if present) to hatch in products such as flour, cake mix, nuts
and other foods. This makes food items unfit for consumption.

4. Food Containers

All containers used for food storage must be food-safe (i.e. made of non-toxic material and in good
repair).
Example: Glass, stainless steel, food-grade plastics and/or products affixed with a National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) seal.
Note: You should refrain from using plastic materials to cook, reheat or hold hot food items.

Cardboard boxes, ceramics, glazed pottery and opened tin cans are not food-grade.
a) Cardboard boxes Some food products are delivered in cardboard boxes. Once the food product
has been washed it must be stored in food-grade containers.
b) Ceramics and Glazed Pottery These containers may cause lead poisoning if they have not been
made properly. Avoid storing food in ceramic or glazed containers.
c) Toxic Metals Some food items react with metal and could cause the metal to get into the food.
Once you have opened a tin can, the leftover food contents must be put into a food-safe container.
For example, the leftovers from a can of tomato juice or an opened can of peaches should be
transferred to a food-grade container.

5. Packaging

Food containers must be sealed tightly while in storage to prevent microbial growth, possible
contamination and/or adulteration. Exceptions to this are foods that support microorganisms that
grow without air (anaerobic bacteria). Any product harvested from the soil has the potential for the
growth of anaerobic bacteria and the production of toxins. For example, fresh mushrooms must be
kept cool and exposed to air. Never store mushrooms in tightly sealed containers or packaging. Store
mushrooms in a paper bag or in a plastic bag with holes to allow air in.

Ensure that any packaging, cover, or wrap is food-safe. Plastic garbage bags should not be used for
covering food because they may contain harmful chemicals which can contaminate the food.

6. Transferring Food

If you are transferring ingredients from the original container to another

container, make sure that the new container is food-safe, clean,
sanitized and properly labelled with the product name and date. If
available, ensure that an ingredient list is provided either on the
container or in a central location known to employees, so that
customer questions can be answered.

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Home Study Guide

Study Questions & Notes

1. You have just received the following food items. What should you look for to ensure
these food items are safe?
Raw meat:
Raw poultry:
Eggs:

2. You have just received a shipment of canned food. What should you look for?

3. Beside each of the following items mark whether the food listed should be stored on the
top shelf, middle shelf or the bottom shelf of a refrigerator.
Cooked roast beef or cooked pork:
Raw chicken:

Raw fish:

Cooked rice pudding:

Unwashed lettuce:

4. Indicate beside each of the following food products if they are properly stored:
Raw roast beef or duck at 100C (500F)
An opened can of tomato juice in its original container
Orange juice in a decorative ceramic pitcher in the refrigerator

5. What does FIFO stand for ? Explain.

6. What should you do when transferring food from its original container to another
container?

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Chapter 5 - Temperature
At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
Danger Zone
Internal cooking temperatures of hazardous foods
Hot holding temperature of hazardous foods
How to cool foods quickly and safely
How to reheat food safely
How to freeze and thaw food safely
To understand the information in this chapter you must be familiar with the following terms:
Danger Zone:

The range of temperatures where microorganisms present in food will grow and
multiply. This temperature range is between 4C (40F) to 60C (140F).

Biological Toxins:

Waste products produced by microorganisms that can cause illness. Some toxins
are heat resistant; and cooking does not destroy them.

Hazardous Food:

Food that can support the growth of pathogens and/or the production of toxins.
Examples of hazardous foods are:
meat and poultry
seafood (e.g. fish and shell fish)
salads and pastries containing meat
cooked grains (e.g. oatmeal, rice, etc.)
custards, puddings, and whipped cream
milk and dairy products
processed deli meats (e.g. bologna, hot dogs, ham)
gravies
canned food (after opening)
eggs, egg products, and foods containing eggs

High-Risk Food:

Hazardous food most commonly associated with foodborne illness.

Examples of high-risk food are:
poultry
meats (raw, cooked)
fish
mixed salads containing meat or fish
rice dishes
dairy products
cream filled desserts

Parasites:

Living organisms that may be visible to the naked eye (e.g. worms). They are
usually associated with pork, beef, fish, and contaminated water.
Examples of parasites include:
Trichinella spiralis (pork or wild animal round worm)
Taenia saginata (beef tape worm)
Anisakiasis (fish parasite)
Giardia lamblia (protozoan parasite in contaminated water)

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Pathogens:

Disease - causing microorganisms.

Process Serving:

Often cooked foods are served immediately after preparation. This is called
process serving. This is the safest way to prepare food because hazardous
ingredients can be properly stored until needed, then cooked rapidly and served
immediately. The hazardous food is brought up through the Danger Zone quickly
and risks are reduced.

Time/temperature abuse refers to keeping hazardous food in the Danger Zone for an unsafe period of
time. Only a few bacteria can grow outside the Danger Zone therefore hazardous foods left within this
range are at risk. Time/temperature abuse is the most common contributing factor to foodborne
illness. Approximately 75-85% of all foodborne illnesses are the result of time/temperature abuse; 56% of
these cases are the result of improper cooling. Maintaining food at a safe temperature of 4C (40F) or
lower for cold food and 60C (140F) or higher for hot food is essential for the duration of food
preparation. This chapter will review practices to prevent foodborne illness by proper temperature
control.

Delivery of Food Products

Food products should be inspected when delivered using the following points to prevent
time/temperature abuse:
1)

Check the temperatures of hazardous food. Food ingredients that are hazardous must not arrive at
the food premise within the Danger Zone. For example, raw chicken must arrive at the food premise
4C (40F) or lower, or frozen at -18C (0F) or lower.

2)

Properly store food items immediately upon delivery. Food

deliveries must not be left outside. This may cause the
temperature of the food to enter into the Danger Zone
and may expose the food to dirt, insects, mice, rats, and
other small animals.

3)

Check best before/expiry dates.

4)

Look for signs of damage and evidence of rodent or

insect infestations.

5)

When storing new deliveries practice first in first out

(FIFO) procedure.

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Thawing
Hazardous food must not be thawed at room temperature, as this allows food to fall within the Danger
Zone. When a food item is thawed at room temperature the outer surface warms up faster and can
support the growth of bacteria and/or toxins, while the centre of the food may remain frozen.
Acceptable methods of thawing are:
1)

2)

3)

4)

Place the hazardous food item in the

refrigerator or walk-in cooler. Allow about
10 hours per kilogram or 5 hours per pound.
Note: Raw meat, fish or poultry is to be placed
on the lower shelves below ready-to-eat food
to prevent possible cross-contamination.
Place the hazardous food item under cold
running water in a clean, sanitized sink.
Ensure the sink is sanitized after thawing is
finished so that other food or utensils placed in
the sink will not become contaminated.
Note: Do not thaw food in a dishwashing or
dedicated handwash sink.

DURHAM
REGION

How To Thaw Meat Safely

Never Thaw Meat At Room Temperature!

Preferred Method: In the Refrigerator at 40C (400F) or lower

Disadvantages

Advantages

Requires a planned menu

May take several days for
large cut of meats or
whole poultry

Best way to prevent food

poisoning
Meat thaws evenly throughout
Meat stays fresh with no
colour or texture change
10 Hours/kg. (5 Hours/lb.)

Alternate Method: Under Cold Running Water

Disadvantages

Advantages

Requires an available food

preparation sink
Uses a lot of water
Time required to clean and
sanitize sinks before and
after thawing

Safe way to prevent food

poisoning
Meat thaws evenly throughout
Fairly fast
2 Hours/kg. (1 Hour/lb.)

Microwave the hazardous food item as

specified by the manufacturer and then cook
the food item immediately afterward to the
proper temperature.
Note: This may cause uneven thawing in the
food.

Least Preferred Method: In the Microwave

As directed
on package

Disadvantages

Advantage

Uneven thawing
Colour changes
Texture changes
Requires immediate
cooking after thawing

Quick

Follow manufacturer directions

BE ORGANIZED, NOT SURPRISED! Prevent Food Poisoning.

Cook the product from its frozen state until

the proper internal temperature at the
thickest part is reached.

Environmental Help Line 1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188

www.durham.ca

DUHEV 041 June 2010

Cooking Temperatures
All hazardous food must be cooked thoroughly to destroy pathogens. Always cook to the highest
temperature required when hazardous foods are combined. The minimum, safe internal cooking
temperatures for food products are as follows and must be held not less than 15 seconds.

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Ground poultry, poultry products and poultry other than whole poultry are cooked to 740 C (1650F)
for 15 seconds.

Whole poultry
82C (180F)

Chicken Pie & Wings

74C (165F)

Note: When cooking a stuffed turkey, the stuffing will become contaminated once placed in the body
cavity of the turkey. The Campylobacter bacteria present in the turkey can multiply to
sufficient numbers so that once ingested, it could cause foodborne illness. It is highly
recommended to cook stuffing separately from the turkey: if you must stuff the bird while
cooking, use your meat probe thermometer to ensure that the centre of the stuffing reaches a
minimum temperature of 74C (165F) to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Pork, pork products and

ground meat other than
ground poultry are
cooked to 71C (160F)
for 15 seconds.

Fish and fish products

are cooked to 70C
(158F) for 15 seconds

Other hazardous food

(whole beef, lamb, rice,
seafood, etc.) are cooked
to 70C (158F)

Mixtures containing
hazardous foods such
as poultry, eggs, meat
and fish (i.e. casseroles,
cabbage rolls, etc) are
cooked to 74C (165F)
for 15 seconds.

for 15 seconds.

Note: If different temperature requirements seem confusing, a good rule of thumb is:
Cook all hazardous food to at least 74C (165F) then hot hold at 60C (140F), except if whole poultry
then cook to 82C (180F) then hot hold at 60C (140F).

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Food Preparation
When preparing or handling food never leave hazardous
food at room temperature except during times necessary
for the processing, preparation, manufacturing and
serving of the food. At room temperature, bacteria
present in the food will multiply and can produce toxins
that can result in a foodborne illness. Hazardous food
should not remain in the Danger Zone for more than
two hours.

DURHAM
REGION

HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

HAZARDOUS FOOD
TEMPERATURE CHART

Environmental Help Line 1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188

www.durham.ca

MINIMUM REQUIRED INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURES

COLD HOLDING
4 oC / 40 oF or colder

Refrigerated Foods

- 18 oC / 0 oF or colder

Frozen Foods

COOKING
All temperatures to be maintained for a minimum of 15 seconds

82 oC / 180 oF

Whole Poultry
chicken, turkey, duck, etc.

The following techniques can help you to reduce the risk

of producing unsafe food items by minimizing the time
the hazardous food is left in the Danger Zone.
Pre-chill all ingredients to 4C (40F) or lower.
Break down the cooking steps: prepare small
batches of food, and move hazardous food through
the Danger Zone as quickly as possible.
Prepare food close to the serving time.
Keep hazardous ingredients at 4C (40F) or lower.

74 oC / 165 oF

Ground / Cut Poultry

wings, breasts, legs, etc.

74 oC / 165 oF

Food Mixtures
(e.g. soups, stews, casseroles, gravies)

Pork / Pork Products

71 oC / 160 oF

Ground Meat

71 oC / 160 oF

other than poultry (e.g. beef, lamb)

Fish

70 oC / 158 oF

Other Hazardous Foods

70 oC / 158 oF

large cuts of e.g. beef, lamb or goat; rice, beans, etc.

HOT HOLDING
After cooking, all hazardous foods must be held at a minimum 60 oC / 140 oF
until service.

REHEATING

Taking Accurate Temperatures

All temperatures to be maintained for a minimum of 15 seconds

All hazardous foods must be reheated, within a 2 hour period, to at least their
specified minimum required internal cooking temperature. All poultry must
be reheated to at least 74 oC / 165 oF.

An accurate thermometer is the only way to determine

adequate cooking temperatures. The thermometer is
critical to your ability to cook food adequately. It is also essential for use in temperature checking when
cooling, reheating, hot holding and cold holding food. Temperature checks enable the food handler to
reduce the risks associated with temperature abuse.
When taking the temperature of food, follow these steps:

DUHEV 284 Oct 2009

1.

Always use an accurate thermometer to check the temperature of the food.

2.

Clean and sanitize the probe end of the thermometer before you take
the temperature of the food.

3.

Put the thermometer in the thickest part of the food. Do not put the
end of the thermometer near a bone.

4.

Do not take just one reading; test several areas of the food item.

5.

If you are cooking several different food items, check the

temperature of each of the food items. Clean and sanitize the
thermometer before each temperature check.

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Hot Holding
If food is cooked prior to serving it must be kept hot, and out of the Danger
Zone. The internal temperature of the cooked food must remain at 60 C
(140 F) or higher. If the food temperature falls below 60 C (140 F), then it
must be rapidly reheated to 74 C (165 F) for 15 seconds.
Note:
Immediately following cooking, place the food items in the hot holding
units.

Hot food being transported (e.g. catering) must be kept at 60 C (140 F)

or higher.

Use proper hot holding equipment (e.g. BBQ display units, chafing units, oven,
steam table, stovetop and warming drawers).

Always cover the food with food-grade material.

Hot liquids, such as gravy, should be stirred often to ensure an even

temperature throughout the product.

Do not use a heat lamp for more than 20 minutes; heat lamps "cool" the
surface of the food.

Cooling
Cooked foods that are cooled and refrigerated for future use are at greatest risk of temperature abuse.
The food must pass through the Danger Zone once when cooking and again when cooling. If the food is
to be reheated later, it will pass through the Danger Zone once again.
Improper cooling of hazardous foods is the most frequent cause of foodborne illness. Cool the food item
as fast as possible so that it does not stay in the Danger Zone.
To cool food fast, you should follow these steps:
1. Place the food in shallow pans (not more than 5cm or 2 inches in depth of food).
2. Allow air to circulate around each large piece of food to remove heat quickly. If possible, do not stack
containers on top of one another.
3. Refrigerate or freeze cooked food immediately. Make sure the food is located on an upper shelf to
prevent cross-contamination.
4. If the food is a liquid, you can cool the food by placing the container in an ice bath and stirring it
before refrigeration.
5. Portion the food into smaller containers before you put it into the refrigerator or freezer.
The temperature of the food must be monitored during cooling, as it must not remain in the Danger Zone
for more than 2 hours.

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Cold Holding
All hazardous food stored in refrigerators and walk-in coolers must be maintained at an internal
temperature of 4C (40F) or lower.
Note:

Equip all cold holding units with accurate, easily visible indicating thermometers.

Ensure food is properly located in the cold holding unit; e.g. place the ready-to-eat food on the top
shelves.

Do not overload cooling equipment - let air circulate.

Cover all food items with food-grade material.

Freezing
When freezing hazardous food, the temperature of the food must be kept at -18C (0F) or lower. Food
items must be covered and stored properly in the freezer (e.g. ice cream stored separately from raw
poultry). Provide an accurate indicating thermometer in a visible place.

Sushi
Sushi is a popular Japanese culinary art, which may consist of raw fish and
seafood with sushi rice. Raw fish can carry parasitic organisms (i.e. Anisakidae,
larvae associated with raw fish) and freezing the product will kill these
organisms. It is recommended that fish intended to be consumed raw,
including raw-marinated and partially cooked fish, be frozen at -20C (-4F) or
lower for 7 days or -35C (-31F) or lower for 15 hours before preparation and
serving.

Reheating
Food must be reheated quickly to minimize the amount of time in the Danger Zone in order to prevent
bacterial growth and possible toxin production. All food products must be reheated within two hours. If a
microwave is used to reheat food, stir the food item to ensure that an even temperature is achieved
throughout.
Whole poultry must be reheated to a minimum internal temperature of 74 C (165F). All other
hazardous food products must be reheated to the original cooking temperature.
Notes:
Use proper cooking equipment to reheat the food quickly and thoroughly.
Hot holding equipment (e.g. steam tables and hot-holding display cases) are not considered cooking
equipment, and are not to be used for reheating food under any circumstance. This type of
equipment heats the food too slowly and therefore increases the length of time the food is in the
Danger Zone.

If possible cook food just prior to serving. This will eliminate the cooling and reheating process.

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SUMMARY OF TIME/TEMPERATURE PRACTICES:

DANGER ZONE

The range of temperatures where microorganisms already present in food will

grow and multiply. This temperature range is between 4C to 60 C (40F to 140F).
Keep hazardous food out of the Danger Zone.

THAWING

Use the following methods to thaw hazardous foods:

1) In the refrigerator or walk-in cooler on a lower shelf.
2) Under cold running water in a clean, sanitized sink.
3) In the microwave.

PREPARATION

Hazardous food must not be kept at room temperature, except during times
necessary for the processing, preparation, manufacturing, and serving of the food.
This is for a maximum allowed time of two hours.

COOKING

Food is to be cooked to the appropriate internal temperatures and maintained at

those temperatures for a minimum of 15 seconds.

Whole poultry
Ground poultry, poultry products and
poultry other than whole poultry
Mixture containing two or more of
following items: poultry, egg, meat,
fish or another hazardous food
Pork, pork products and ground
meat other than ground poultry
Fish
Other hazardous food (beef, lamb,
rice, seafood, etc.)

82C (180F)
74C (165F)
74C (165F)
71C (160F)
70C (158F)
70C (158F)

HOT HOLDING

All hazardous food 60C (140F) or HIGHER

REHEATING

Original cooking temperatures for hazardous foods to be reached within two

hours with the exception of 74C (165F) for whole poultry.

COLD HOLDING

Food is to be refrigerated at 4C (40F) or lower or frozen at -18C (0F) or lower.

SUSHI

Fish intended to be consumed raw, including raw-marinated and partially cooked

fish is to be frozen at -20C (-4F) or lower for 7 days or -35C (-31F) or lower for
15 hours before preparation and serving.

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Study Questions & Notes

1.

What is the Danger Zone and what is its temperature range?

2.

What is the minimum internal temperature required to safely cook the following:
Beef
Poultry
Pork
Ground veal
Veal

Fish
Lamb
Ground poultry
Mixed meat pie (chicken, beef, pork)

3.

What is the required hot holding temperature of hazardous food?

4.

To what temperature must you reheat previously cooked food? Previously cooked
whole poultry?

5.

What methods can you use to rapidly cool foods?

6.

What are the safe methods of thawing frozen foods?

7.

What is a hazardous food? List some examples.

8.

How long can hazardous food remain in the Danger Zone during preparation?

9.

Where should you place the end of the thermometer when you take an internal
temperature check of a food item?

10. What is the correct internal temperature for a hazardous food item stored in a
refrigerator? Freezer?

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Chapter 6 - Cross Contamination and Sanitation

At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
What is cross-contamination?
The three main ways cross-contamination occurs
How to prevent cross-contamination
The difference between cleaning and sanitizing
Approved sanitizers
Manual and mechanical dishwashing techniques

Cross-contamination: involves the spread of harmful microorganisms or chemicals to food that is

ready-to-eat.

Ready-to-eat foods: are those that can be eaten as is. These include all cooked and heat processed
foods even if they have been cooled or frozen (e.g. washed vegetables, cooked meats, salads, etc.)
Pathogens: Disease-causing microorganisms

Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination may occur when pathogens or food allergens are passed from one food item to
another, or when foods come into contact with contaminated surfaces, utensils, equipment or hands.
The three main sources of cross-contamination are:
1. Hands: contaminated hands touching food
2. Food: improper handling and storage of food
3. Equipment: using the same equipment or utensils to handle raw food and ready-to-eat food

Hands
A food handler's hands come into contact with many unclean surfaces, equipment, food and other items.
It is therefore important that frequent and proper handwashing techniques are practiced.

Food
Food may become contaminated if not stored properly. Raw meats, poultry, fish, seafood and raw
produce may contain pathogens. It is therefore important that all raw foods are stored separately from
cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
An example of cross-contamination due to improper food storage includes placing raw meat on a shelf
above ready-to-eat foods such as salad. Blood or liquids may drip from the meat onto the salad and go
unnoticed.

Equipment
Ready-to-eat foods may become contaminated if they come into contact with equipment or wiping
cloths that contain pathogens or allergens.

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Items which may transmit pathogens or allergens to ready-to-eat foods include:

Food contact surfaces: work tables, cutting boards.

Equipment: slicing machines, meat grinders, mixers, probe thermometers.

Utensils: knives, spoons, forks, tongs.

Example of cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods

Raw chicken is cut on cutting board.

Pathogens from the chicken are passed onto the board, knife
and the food handler's hands.

A cooked chicken is cut on the same board, with the same knife
(all had been contaminated with the raw chicken).

Pathogens are passed from the contaminated cutting board and knife
to the cooked chicken

Example of cross-contamination between food and an allergen:

Nuts are chopped on a cutting board.

Oils and residue are passed from nuts to cutting board and utensils.

Raw vegetables are sliced on the same cutting board with the same
utensils.

Oils and residue are passed from the cutting board and utensils to the vegetables.

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Preventing Cross-Contamination

Wash hands properly and frequently.

All cooked and ready-to-eat items requiring refrigeration must be covered or wrapped and stored
above raw meats, poultry, fish and seafood in cold storage units.

During cold storage, all raw meats should be stored on bottom shelves and cooked and ready-toeat foods on upper shelves.

When possible, all raw meats should be stored in separate cold storage units, away from ready-toeat foods.

Have separate food contact surfaces, equipment and utensils for raw and ready-to-eat food and for
foods that contain allergens (e.g. nuts).

All cutting boards and food contact surfaces must be smooth, free of cracks and pits to allow for
proper cleaning and sanitizing.

All food-contact surfaces or equipment must be washed, rinsed and sanitized immediately after
each use.

Wiping a contaminated knife or cutting board with a cloth is not sufficient to remove pathogens or
allergens. If the contaminated cloth is then used to wipe other surfaces, equipment, utensils or
hands, pathogens or allergens will spread.

The probe thermometer must be sanitized before and after inserting it into food.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Microorganisms can be passed from person-to-person by both dishes and utensils; therefore, proper
manual or mechanical dishwashing is important in preventing the spread of pathogens.

Cleaning: the removal of visible dirt, oil, grease and organic matter from an object using detergent,
warm water and scrubbing.
Note: Cleaning helps to remove pathogens, but it does not kill those that remain. Cleaning must always
be a step in removing pathogens. If surfaces are not clean, heat or chemical sanitizing steps will not work
properly.

Sanitizing: A process that reduces pathogenic organisms to acceptable levels using either hot water
0
(82 C) or chemical agents (chlorine, iodine or quaternary ammonium).

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Approved Sanitizers
1. Hot water: 77C (170F) for a minimum of 45 seconds (Manual Dishwashing)
82C (180F) for a minimum of 10 seconds (Mechanical Dishwashing)
2. Chemical sanitizers: for a minimum of 45 seconds at 24C (75F)
a. Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite): at a concentration of 100 parts per million (ppm), i.e: Mix 2.5
mL (1/2 teaspoon) of household bleach to 1L (4 cups) of water.
b. Quaternary ammonium compound (Quats): at a concentration of 200ppm.
c. Iodine: at a concentration of 25ppm.
Note:
To ensure proper sanitizing strengths, solutions must be prepared daily and changed frequently.

Appropriate test strips/reagents must be used to measure the solution

strength and verify proper concentrations (these are available from
restaurant and chemical suppliers).

Label all sanitizing solutions to ensure chemicals are not misused as a

food ingredient.

Always follow the manufacturer's directions on the product label.

Manual Dishwashing
3 Compartment Sink Method

3 Sink Dishwashing Method

Three sinks are required to clean and sanitize

multi-use/re-usable eating utensils (e.g. plates,
knives, forks, spoons), pots and pans.
The method consists of:
1. Wash: In the first compartment, wash
utensils and equipment in clean, hot,
soapy water.
2. Rinse: In the second compartment, rinse
utensils and equipment in clean water of
at least 43C (110F) to remove soap and
any remaining food particles.

on a corrosionresistant
draining rack

food from utensils

and pots

DURHAM
REGION
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

in clean, hot,
soapy water

Environmental Help Line

1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188
www.durham.ca
Information available in alternative formats

in clean water at
>43C (110F)

Clean water 77C (170F) for 45 seconds

Chlorine solution at 100 ppm ( tsp per litre)
in water at 24C (75F) for 45 seconds
Quaternary ammonium at 200 ppm in
water at 24C (75F) for 45 seconds
Iodine at 25 ppm in water at 24C (75F)
for 45 seconds

DUHEV 033 - Aug 11

3. Sanitize: In the third compartment, sanitize utensils and equipment for at least 45 seconds in an
approved sanitizer.

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2 Compartment Sink Method

2 Sink Utensil Washing Method

Two sinks are required to clean and sanitize pots,

pans and utensils not directly used by patrons. This
applies to places that have very limited food
preparation and/or where single-service disposable
dishes and utensils are used.
The method consists of:
1. Wash and Rinse: In the first
compartment, wash utensils and
equipment in clean, hot, soapy water.
Then, rinse utensils and equipment in
clean water of a least 43C (110F).

on a corrosion-resistant
draining rack

food from utensils

and pots

DURHAM
REGION
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

Environmental Help Line

1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188
www.durham.ca

in clean, hot,
soapy water

under warm
running water at
>43C (110F)

Clean water 77C (170F) for 45 seconds

Chlorine solution at 100 ppm ( tsp per litre)
in water at 24C (75F) for 45 seconds
Quaternary ammonium at 200 ppm in
water at 24C (75F) for 45 seconds
Iodine at 25 ppm in water at 24C (75F)
for 45 seconds

2. Sanitize: In the second compartment,

sanitize utensils and equipment for at least 45 seconds in an approved sanitizer.
Information available in alternative formats

DUHEV 033 - Aug 11

Note:
Items that are heavily soiled may require pre-soaking and scraping prior to washing.

After sanitizing, air dry utensils on a corrosion-resistant draining rack. This is done to prevent
contamination from worker's hands or a damp towel. Never towel dry.

Once dry, utensils should be stored in a clean dry area away from food, dust, garbage and at least
15 cm off of the floor.

Damaged (cracked, chipped) dishes or equipment must be discarded.

Wash In Place for Large Equipment and Surfaces

This process must be used to wash and sanitize equipment that is too large and does not fit in a sink or
mechanical dishwasher. All food contact surfaces (e.g. cutting boards, work tables, etc.) must also be
cleaned and sanitized after each use.
The method consists of:
1. Wash equipment with warm water and detergent solution.
2. Rinse with clean water.
3. Sanitize with hot water at a minimum of 82C (180F), or an approved chemical solution at
double strength for chlorinated chemicals; follow manufacturer's instructions for "Quats" and
iodine.
4. Air dry.

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Wiping Cloths
Wiping cloths stored in sanitizing solutions are used to sanitize surfaces.

Wiping cloths are to be maintained clean and in good repair.

The cloths are to be stored in one of the three approved chemical sanitizer solutions at
manufacturer's suggested concentrations.

The sanitizing solution must be prepared daily and changed

frequently.

If the sanitizing solution is stored in a spray bottle, it must

be labelled.

Test strips/reagents must be used to measure the solution

strength and verify proper concentration.

Mechanical Dishwashing
1. High Temperature Dishwasher: Uses hot water in the rinse
cycle to sanitize.
The wash water temperature must not be lower than 60C (140F) and not higher than
71C (160F).
The rinse water temperature must be a minimum of 82C (180F) and the cycle must last at
least 10 seconds.
2. Low Temperature Dishwasher: Uses chemical sanitizers in the rinse cycle to sanitize.

Three approved chemical sanitizers:

1. Chlorine: minimum 100ppm.
2. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ("Quats"): minimum 200ppm.
3. Iodine: minimum 25ppm.
Note:

All high temperature dishwashers must be equipped with accurate reading

temperature gauges to monitor wash and rinse water temperatures.

Domestic dishwashers are not accepted as they are not equipped with temperature
gauges and are unable to reach and maintain required temperatures.

Test strips/reagents must be used to verify the concentration of chemical sanitizer

during the sanitizing cycle.

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Home Study Guide

Study Questions & Notes

1. What is cross-contamination?
2. What are the three main ways cross-contamination may occur?
1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. Provide three examples of cross-contamination.
1.______________________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________________
4. List three ways that cross-contamination may be prevented.
1.______________________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing?
1.______________________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________________
6. Why is it important to sanitize dishes, utensils and food contact equipment?
1.______________________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________________
7. List three approved sanitizers commonly used to sanitize food contact surfaces and
equipment.
1.______________________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________________
8. Describe how to manually wash dishes and utensils using the 2-compartment sink
method. Now describe how to wash dishes using the 3-compartment sink method.

9. What temperature must high and low temperature dishwashers reach during the
wash and sanitize cycles? For how long?
High Temp Wash Cycle: _________ Sanitizing Cycle ___________Duration: ______________
Low Temp Wash Cycle: ___________________

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Chapter 7 - Food Premises Sanitation

At the end of this chapter you should know the following:
How to maintain a premise in a clean and sanitary manner
How to prevent rodent and insect infestation

Food Premises Sanitation

All food premises must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner at all times. A cleaning schedule is a
useful tool to assist you in doing this.

Floors, Ceilings and Walls

Floors, ceilings and walls must be maintained in good repair at all times and made of smooth,
non-absorbent, and easily cleanable material.
Remove grease and debris from floors and walls.
A damp mop should be used to clean floors as often as necessary (at least once daily).
A mop sink is to be used to clean mops and dispose of waste water. At no time should a
dishwashing/prep sink/hand sink be used for these purposes.

Sanitary Facilities
Each sanitary facility is to be equipped with:
toilet paper
hot and cold running water under pressure
liquid soap in a dispenser
a durable, easy-to-clean receptacle for waste material
supply of paper towels, a continuous cloth roller towel in a mechanical device, a supply of clean
single service towels or a hot air dryer
Hand wash basins, urinals and toilets must be cleaned and sanitized at least once every workday and as
often as necessary to maintain the premise in a clean and sanitary manner.

Garbage

Garbage must be stored in proper insect and vermin-proof receptacles with

lids.
Remove garbage from the premise daily in order to avoid odours and pest
control problems and to maintain premise in a clean and sanitary manner.
Garbage containers must be cleaned and sanitized after they are emptied.

Lighting

Good lighting is necessary for safe working conditions and to permit thorough cleaning.
Provide appropriate light covers where required (i.e. on lights above food
preparation areas).

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Ventilation

Proper ventilation is required over any source of excess heat, smoke or steam (i.e. cooking
equipment).
Ventilation system must be cleaned to prevent accumulation of grease and prevent a health hazard.

Dry Storage

Adequate storage space must be provided to hold food and supplies.

All food in storage must be adequately covered.
Utensils/scoops cannot be stored directly in food.
Store food on racks, shelves or pallets no less than 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor to allow for
cleaning and pest control.
Foods, utensils and food contact surfaces must not be stored in washrooms and staff dressing rooms.
Chemicals must be stored separately from food to prevent accidental spillage into food.

Pest Control
The foundation of a good pest control program is to deny entry, food, and shelter to
vermin (including flies, cockroaches, mice, and rats). Keeping the premise clean
reduces their food source and sealing gaps, cracks and openings in floors, walls and
equipment restricts their movement.
The following are disease organisms which have been transmitted to food by pests:

Bacillus cereus
ants
Campylobacter jejuni
flies
E. coli
ants, flies
Salmonella
ants, flies, cockroaches, rats
Staphylococcus aureus
ants, flies, cockroaches

Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Rodents contaminate food and food contact surfaces with their feces, urine and by gnawing on food
packaging.
Rodents are attracted to food sources; therefore, it is important to provide proper garbage storage
and disposal.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are very difficult to eradicate once they are established.

Cockroaches may leave behind bacteria as they crawl around on surfaces,
equipment, etc.

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Home Study Guide

Flies

Flies are attracted to odour (i.e. from garbage).

Flies can transport dirt and debris as their bodies are covered with hair and their feet have suction
cups.
Flies do not have teeth; therefore, they use their vomit to dissolve food prior to eating it.

Preventing Infestations

Ensure all doors and windows are screened and tight-fitting to prevent entrance of pests and
insects.
Check all deliveries for signs of infestation (i.e. droppings, gnaw marks, insects and rodents).
Eliminate food sources by maintaining the premise in a clean and sanitary manner
(i.e. clean under cooking equipment, refrigerators, etc).
Properly fill and patch any holes in walls, ceilings, floors and around any pipes as insects and
rodents may enter through very small holes.
Remove any unused equipment to eliminate possible shelter for pests.
Store garbage in vermin-proof receptacles with tight-fitting lids and keep storage areas clean.
Should pests be difficult to control, a licensed pest control company should be contacted to apply
pest control measures.

Live Animals in a Food Premise

No live animals are allowed within a food premise, with the exception of service animals. Service
animals required by patrons are allowed within a food premise with proper documentation. Under no
circumstance are any live animals allowed within food preparation areas.

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Study Questions & Notes

1. List 4 ways to prevent pest and insect infestations.
1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________________
2.

List 3 ways a fly can contaminate food.

1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________

3.

True or False: You must retain a licensed pest control company on contract.
T___ F___

4.

True or False: Soapy water used to wash floors may be disposed of in a handwash sink.
T___ F___

5.

List 5 items that each sanitary facility must be equipped with.

1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________________________

6.

True or False: A service animal is allowed to assist in food preparation.

T___ F___

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Chapter 8 - DineSafe Durham

What is DineSafe Durham?
DineSafe Durham is the food safety inspection disclosure program that was introduced by the Durham
Region Health Department on March 2, 2009. The program is designed to give the public quick and easy
access to the results of food safety inspections. This program is intended to increase compliance with
legislation, improve food safety, reduce the risk of foodborne illness, increase the transparency of
inspections, improve the public's accessibility to information, and increase public confidence in the food
inspection process and the food industry.
The DineSafe Durham disclosure program applies to the following food establishments operating within
the Region of Durham:
General food service establishments (e.g. restaurants, bars, cafeterias, delicatessens, butcher shops,
grocery stores, banquet halls, catering kitchens, etc.)
Institutional food service establishments (e.g. hospitals, school cafeterias, nursing homes, licensed
childcare centre kitchens, boarding houses with 10 or more residents, etc.)
Mobile food service premises (e.g. hot dog carts, catering vehicles, French fry trucks, etc.)
All food establishments are inspected by the Health Department to ensure compliance with the Ontario
Food Premises Regulation 562. The Region of Durham Food Safety Disclosure By-law requires the food
establishment operators to post the DineSafe Durham green (PASS), yellow (CONDITIONAL PASS) or red
(CLOSED) signs in a conspicuous location at or near the entrance of the premise. These signs reflect their
most recent inspection results. However, some community special events (e.g. farmers markets, religious
suppers, fairs, etc.), private residences or dwellings and farm gate sales are exempt from the DineSafe
Durham disclosure program.

What do the coloured DineSafe Durham Inspection summary signs mean?

Durham Region Health Department

PASS

Green (PASS) sign means:

Substantial compliance with the Ontario Food Premises
Regulation.

Name

Address

This establishment has been inspected by Durham Region Health Department in

accordance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation and passed the inspection on,

Month/Day/Year

Any infractions observed are few in number and/or "non-critical"

in nature such that they are unlikely to result in foodborne illness
(i.e. lack of hair restraints for food handlers; repair/cleaning of
floors, walls, non-food contact services, etc.).

Results of the previous inspection on

Month/Day/Year

Pass

Conditional Pass

Closed

A copy of the most recent inspection report is available

for review upon request at this establishment.
For further information contact Durham Region Health Department at
1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188 or visit www.durham.ca

Dr. Robert Kyle

Medical Officer of Health
Durham Region Health Department

DURHAM
REGION
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

This placard is the property of Durham Region Health Department and shall
not be removed or altered in any way. Durham Region Health Department cannot
guarantee the same conditions are maintained after this inspection date. It is the
sole responsibility of the operator to maintain this establishment in accordance
with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.

D U R H A M

Food Safety Training and Certification

Food handling/preparation operations do not represent an

immediate risk to public health.
A follow-up inspection may occur if there are outstanding items
of non-compliance remaining at the end of an inspection. In
some instances minor issues of non-compliance may be
addressed during the next routine inspection.

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Durham Region Health Department

CONDITIONAL PASS

Yellow (CONDITIONAL PASS) sign means:

Significant non-compliance with the Ontario Food Premises
Regulation which may affect food safety.

Name
Address
This establishment has been inspected by Durham Region Health Department
in accordance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation on,

Month/Day/Year

The following infractions must be corrected immediately and will be

re-inspected within 72 hours.
Inadequate food temperature control
Inadequate protection of food from contamination/adulteration
Improper food handler hygiene/handwashing
Unapproved food source and supply

Significant non-compliance means that the number and/or the

type of infractions observed have the potential to lead to
foodborne illness (i.e. improper hot/cold holding temperatures,
cross-contamination of food, etc.).

Inadequate pest control

Improper storage/removal of waste
Improper sanitation/design/maintenance of surfaces/utensils/equipment

Results of the previous inspection on

Month/Day/Year

Pass

Conditional Pass

Closed

Establishment will receive a re-inspection within 24-72 hours (1-3

business days).

A copy of the most recent inspection report is available for review upon request at this establishment.
For further information contact Durham Region Health Department at
1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188 or visit www.durham.ca

Dr. Robert Kyle

Medical Officer of Health
Durham Region Health Department

This placard is the property of Durham Region Health Department and shall
not be removed or altered in any way. Durham Region Health Department cannot
guarantee the same conditions are maintained after this inspection date. It is the
sole responsibility of the operator to maintain this establishment in accordance
with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.

DURHAM
REGION

D U R H A M

HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

Durham Region Health Department

CLOSED
BY ORDER OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH under the authority of Section 13 of
the Health Protection and Promotion Act, the establishment operating as

Name

Red (CLOSED) sign means:

Conditions represent an immediate health hazard to the general
public (i.e. significant insect/rodent infestation, no hot/cold
running water under pressure, sewage back-up into food
preparation/storage areas, fires, flood, power outages).

Address
Date

is CLOSED until further notice from Durham Region Health Department due to:
Failure to protect food from contamination/adulteration
Failure to prevent infestation of insects, rodents, and vermin

Establishment must immediately close and stop preparing,

serving and/or selling food to the public.

Failure to maintain cleanliness and sanitation

Failure to provide a constant supply of potable hot and cold water
Failure to contain wastewater/sewage in a sanitary manner
Failure to operate establishment free from serious health hazard
Fire, flood, power failure

Results of the previous inspection on

Month/Day/Year

Pass

Conditional Pass

Closed

For further information contact Durham Region Health Department at

1-888-777-9613 ext. 2188 or visit www.durham.ca

Dr. Robert Kyle

Medical Officer of Health
Durham Region Health Department

DURHAM
REGION
HEALTH
DEPARTMENT

Establishment will be monitored by the public health inspector

to ensure establishment remains closed.

This placard is the property of Durham Region Health Department and shall
not be removed or altered in any way. Durham Region Health Department cannot
guarantee the same conditions are maintained after this inspection date. It is the
sole responsibility of the operator to maintain this establishment in accordance
with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.

D U R H A M

Establishment must comply with the minimum standards of the

Ontario Food Premises Regulation before a green (PASS) sign will
be issued; a premise with a current red (CLOSED) sign will not be
re-opened with a yellow (CONDITIONAL PASS) sign.

Repeat infractions noted during re-inspections or during any subsequent compliance inspections may be
subject to legal action independent of the DineSafe Durham program. It is possible for an establishment
to be charged despite receiving a green (PASS) sign. Legal action may also be initiated for infractions of
the Food Safety Disclosure By-law.

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Glossary of Terms
Frequently used terms:
Cross-Contamination: involves the spread of pathogens or chemicals to food that is ready-to-eat.
Cleaning: the removal of visible dirt, oil, grease and organic matter from an object using
detergent, warm water and scrubbing.
Danger Zone: the range of temperatures where the microorganisms present in food will grow
and multiply. This temperature range is between 4C (40F) to 60C (140F).
DineSafe Durham: DineSafe Durham is the food safety inspection disclosure program that was
introduced by the Durham Region Health Department.
FIFO - first in first out: a rule for proper stock rotation. Date your items so you know which food
items are the oldest and should be used first.
Foodborne illness: illness caused by eating foods contaminated with pathogenic
microorganisms and/or chemicals.
Food grade/ food safe: made of non-toxic material in good repair and maintained in a sanitary
manner.
Hazardous food: any food that is capable of supporting the growth of pathogens or the
production of the toxins of such organisms
HACCP- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point: an inspection system that identifies critical
control points (CCP's) during the storage, preparation, and service of hazardous foods. A CCP is a
point, step, or procedure in a food handling process at which control can be applied and, as a
result, a food safety hazard can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to an acceptable level.
Health Hazard: any condition of a premise, or a substance, thing, plant or animal other than man,
or a solid, liquid, gas or combination of any of them, that has or is likely to have an adverse effect
on the health of any person.
Ontario Regulation 562 - Food Premises Regulation: a provincial law which governs the
preparation and sale of food to the public and applies to all persons that own and operate a food
premise.
Pathogen: a disease-causing microorganism.
Sanitizing: a process that reduces pathogenic organisms to acceptable levels using either hot
water (82 degrees Celsius) or chemical agents (chlorine, iodine or Quaternary ammonium).

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Home Study Guide