AHS offers food-handling course for event organizers

LETHBRIDGE – Individuals or groups planning special community events where food will be served are invited to attend a free food-handling course.

The course, offered by the Environmental Public Health team at Alberta Health Services (AHS), educates volunteer food handlers and event organizers about the potential health risks associated with food-borne illnesses, as well as the steps necessary to mitigate those risks.

Call 403-388-6689 to register. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Course space is limited, so please register as soon as possible for one of the following:

Lethbridge

• May 17: 9 a.m. to noon, Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization, 500 11 St., Room AB
• June 27: 9 a.m. to noon, Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, 421 6 Ave. S, Hall A

Medicine Hat

• May 16: 9 a.m. to noon
• June 20: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

These events will be held at Medicine Hat Community Health Services, Multipurpose Room, 2948 Dunmore Rd. S.E.

Organizers of special community events where food will be served are required to notify AHS Environmental Public Health at least 30 days before the event takes place. Vendors intending to serve food at these functions must also notify AHS 14 days prior to the event. Restricted events – including private weddings, meetings and retreats – do not require AHS notification.

This course does not meet the requirement for food safety training in commercial facilities.

For more information on food safety, including necessary forms and a list of all AHS Environmental Public Health offices, visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/eph/eph.aspx

To view and register for AHS Environmental Public Health courses online, visit https://app.bookking.ca/AHSEPHPub/courses/index.asp

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

- 30 -