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British Columbia Food Safety Regulations

Every restaurant, food service business, food retailer, caterer, and food processing operation in British Columbia is responsible for preparing, handling, storing, and serving food safely. B.C. has provincial legislation that applies across the food system, from agriculture and processing to food service, food retail, and restaurants.

For most restaurants and food service operations, the most important requirements are found in the Food Safety Act and the Food Premises Regulation under the Public Health Act. Together, these laws help define how food premises are approved, permitted, inspected, operated, cleaned, sanitized, and staffed with trained personnel.

BC food safety laws

 Food businesses in British Columbia may be subject to several provincial and federal food safety laws, depending on the type of operation. The main laws and regulations include: 

  • Food Safety Act
  • Public Health Act
  • Food Premises Regulation
  • Milk Industry Act and Milk Industry Standards Regulation
  • Fish and Seafood Act and Fish and Seafood Licensing Regulation
  • Federal food safety legislation, where food is imported, exported, or sold across provincial borders

The B.C. government identifies the Food Safety Act as legislation that regulates the province’s food industry from agriculture and processing to retail and restaurants. The Public Health Act’s Food Premises Regulation outlines food safety requirements for businesses that process, prepare, and sell food to the public, while regional health authorities are responsible for approving, permitting, inspecting, and responding to complaints about food premises. 

Food Safety Act

The Food Safety Act establishes broad food safety responsibilities for operators of food establishments in British Columbia. Under the Act, an operator is responsible for ensuring that food in the food establishment is safe for human consumption, and operators must not sell or distribute contaminated food or food that is otherwise unfit for human consumption.

The Act also provides inspection and enforcement powers. Inspectors may enter food establishments, inspect premises, equipment, facilities, and food, review records, take samples, suspend certain activities, and take other steps needed to determine compliance. Where food is contaminated or unfit for consumption, inspectors may detain, condemn, dispose of, destroy, or order the recall of food.

Food Premises Regulation

The Food Premises Regulation is one of the most important regulations for restaurants, caterers, food retailers, and other food service establishments in B.C. It applies to most food premises and sets requirements for construction, approvals, permits, food protection, equipment, employee hygiene, food safety management, sanitation, pest control, and chemical storage.

Under the Regulation, a person must not operate a food service establishment unless they hold a permit issued by a health officer. The permit must be posted in a conspicuous location in the food service establishment.

BC food safety training requirements

British Columbia requires food safety training for food service establishments. Under the Food Premises Regulation, every operator of a food service establishment must hold a certificate for successful completion of FOODSAFE or an equivalent food handler training program. When the operator is absent, at least one employee present in the establishment must hold the required certificate.

The Province of British Columbia explains that FOODSAFE Level 1 is compulsory for many people working in the food service industry, and recommends food safety training for people of all ages who handle, process, prepare, or serve food.

Managing Food Safety — Online Version and Managing Food Safety — Classroom Version are listed by the BC Centre for Disease Control as equivalent to BC FOODSAFE Level 1 for student certificates with an expiry date of June 1, 2023 or later. The BCCDC list also notes that food safety certifications are valid for a maximum of five years from the date of issue, or until the expiry date shown on the certificate if that expiry date is within five years or less.

Get your food handlers certified in British Columbia

Managing Food Safety makes it easy for British Columbia food businesses to provide recognized food handler certification for employees, supervisors, managers, and trainers.

The course is practical, engaging, and built for real food service environments. Learners review key food safety responsibilities, including personal hygiene, preventing contamination, controlling time and temperature, cleaning and sanitizing, and applying safe food handling practices on the job.

 

Get certified with Managing Food SafetyTraining Solutions for Businesses

Key requirements for BC food businesses

BC food establishments must meet requirements related to:

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Approval and permits

Food service establishments must receive the required approvals and hold a valid operating permit before operating. 

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Approved sources and food protection

 Food must come from approved sources and be protected from contamination during receiving, storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. 

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Temperature control and hygiene

 Potentially hazardous foods must be controlled by time and temperature, and employees must follow hygiene and handwashing requirements. 

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Food safety and sanitation plans

 Food service establishments and food processing facilities must develop, maintain, and follow written food safety and sanitation procedures. 

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FOODSAFE or equivalent certification

 Every operator of a food service establishment must hold FOODSAFE or equivalent certification (such as Managing Food Safety), and at least one certified employee must be present when the operator is absent. 

Frequently asked questions

Is food handler certification required in British Columbia?

Yes. Every operator of a food service establishment must hold FOODSAFE or equivalent food handler certification. When the operator is absent, at least one employee present in the establishment must hold the required certificate. 

Is Managing Food Safety accepted in British Columbia?

Yes. The BC Centre for Disease Control lists Managing Food Safety — Online Version and Managing Food Safety — Classroom Version as equivalent to BC FOODSAFE Level 1.

How long is food handler certification valid in BC?

The BC Centre for Disease Control notes that food safety certifications, including BC FOODSAFE Level 1 and equivalent certifications, are valid for a maximum of five years from the date of issue, or until the expiry date shown on the certificate if that date is within five years or less. 

Does every food handler in BC need certification?

The regulation specifically requires the operator to be certified and requires at least one certified employee to be present when the operator is absent. However, food safety training is recommended for people who handle, process, prepare, or serve food, and many businesses choose to certify more staff to reduce risk and strengthen food safety culture. 

Official BC Food Safety Resources

Food Handlers Training Courses Equivalent to BC FOODSAFE Level 1

Link to Info

Last reviewed: June 2026. Regulations can change. Always confirm current requirements with BC Health Services or your local Public Health Inspector.