Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What is the role of the Environmental Health Officer?

1. To promote food festivals and events

2. To enforce food safety regulations and conduct inspections

3. To train restaurant staff

4. To manage food supply chains

The correct answer is: To enforce food safety regulations and conduct inspections

The role of the Environmental Health Officer is to enforce food safety regulations and conduct inspections. This position is crucial in ensuring that food establishments comply with the laws and standards set to protect public health. Environmental Health Officers are responsible for assessing food safety practices, identifying potential hazards, and ensuring that businesses adhere to proper food handling, preparation, and storage protocols. By conducting regular inspections, they help minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and promote safe food handling practices. Their duties may also include investigating complaints related to food safety, providing guidance on compliance with regulations, and offering educational resources to food handlers about best practices in food safety. While promoting food festivals, training staff, and managing food supply chains can contribute to food safety, these tasks are not the primary responsibility of an Environmental Health Officer. Their focused role on enforcement and inspections establishes a direct line of defense for public health concerning food safety.