If you have looked for a job in the hospitality industry recently, you have seen the requirement: "Must have Food Safe Level 1."

It is the standard for food safety in British Columbia. But what exactly is it? Is it hard to pass? And do you really need it just to wash dishes?

At RupIELTS and First Aid Training Institute, we certify hundreds of students every month at our Surrey campus. We wrote this guide to answer every question you have about becoming a certified food handler in BC.

What is Food Safe Level 1?

Food Safe Level 1 is a provincial certification program. It teaches you how to handle food safely to prevent foodborne illness (food poisoning). In BC, the Health Act requires that every food service establishment must have at least one certified person on shift at all times.

However, in practice, most employers in Surrey and Vancouver require all staff to have it. It lowers their liability and ensures the health inspector stays happy.

Who Needs This Course?

You might be surprised. It’s not just for chefs.

• 👩‍🍳 Cooks & Chefs: Mandatory for prepping raw meat and veggies.
• ☕ Baristas: Milk handling requires temperature control knowledge.
• 🍽️ Servers: You handle ready-to-eat food and silverware.
• 🥪 Deli Workers: Slicing meats creates high cross-contamination risks.
• 🍰 Home Bakers: Selling goods at markets? You need this.
• 👵 Care Home Staff: Working with vulnerable seniors requires strict hygiene.

What Will You Learn?

The course isn't just about washing your hands. We dive into the science of microbiology.

• Microbiology 101: Understanding Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites (like Salmonella and E. coli).
• The Danger Zone: Why food cannot stay between 4°C and 60°C.
• Cross-Contamination: How to stop raw chicken bacteria from getting into a salad.
• Sanitizing: The correct ratio of bleach to water for cleaning surfaces.
• Allergen Safety: How to protect customers with peanut or gluten allergies.