The Positive Impact of Research on Policy in the FOODSAFE Food Handler Training Program in British Columbia, Canada

Introduction: The FOODSAFE food safety training program has been operating in British Columbia (BC), Canada since 1985. In 2000, food safety training (FOOSAFE, or its equivalent) became a legislated standard in BC.  The FOODSAFE program is a self-funded non-profit organization with a steering committee that includes representatives from academia, public health and the food service industry.  When training was legislated, no expiry date on FOODSAFE certificates was issued, bringing into question the training effectiveness for older FOODSAFE program graduates.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the FOODSAFE program and determine if refresher training and certificate expiration dates were required.

Methods: Two surveys were conducted in 2009 and 2012.  They ascertained whether food safety training improved food safety knowledge, when retraining should occur, and the effectiveness of retraining food handlers.  An on-line food safety refresher training course was developed to meet the needs of over 790,000 FOODSAFE graduates whose certificates would expire if new policy was introduced. Enrollment statistics for FOODSAFE and refresher training courses were examined.

Results: We found food safety knowledge scores significantly decreased in FOODSAFE trained food handlers over a 15 year period post-certification (linear regression, P = 0.02), that most food handlers would fail a FOODSAFE exam 5 years after taking training, and that retraining food handlers was effective (paired difference t-test, P = 0.038). Both surveys found knowledge scores were significantly higher in trained compared with untrained food handlers (P < 0.0001).  Enrollment statistics found no significant increase in routine FOODSAFE training (P > 0.05), and 545 food handlers have taken the refresher course.

Significance: This research supported the program and a significant policy change: five year expiry dates on FOODSAFE certificates were implemented on July 29, 2013.  Industry associations supported food safety training certificate expiry dates and retraining for food handlers whose certificates expire.