When food and equipment used to prepare food is not handled properly, there is a risk of spreading disease. It’s especially important to practice safe food handling in a child care setting, because food borne illness can have a more severe impact on young children than adults.
Food safety is the responsibility of all staff in a child care setting. Staff who handle food must be sure to meet personal hygiene requirements, including washing hands properly, wearing clean clothing, and ensuring hair is confined.
Licensed child care settings that prepare and serve daily meals and snacks are considered a food premises, and as such, must comply with Ontario Regulation 493/17: Food Premises. Under section 32 of these regulations, at least one food handler or supervisor who has completed food handler training is required to be on the premises during operating hours. In-person and online food handler training courses are available at HPEPH.
See our Guidelines for Opening a Food Premises for more detailed information about opening a new child care centre.
Food safety signs and resources are available on our Food Safety Information and Resources page.
