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Alberta Rules
Alberta food safety law, explained simply.
Food businesses in Alberta operate under the Food Regulation (AR 31/2006). Whether you run a kitchen in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, or Lethbridge, this guide covers what the law requires and how to get a recognized food handler certificate.
Reviewed by a Certified Public Health Inspector
Alberta law requires at least one certified person in care and control.
Get a recognized food handler certificate. Online, same day.
The Framework
What is the main food safety law in Alberta?
The main regulation is Alberta's Food Regulation, AR 31/2006. It sets requirements for food handling permits, food establishments, sanitation, hygiene, temperature control, food safety training, farmers' markets, special events, and related food operations. It is made under the Public Health Act.
Federal framework
Health Canada sets national food safety standards. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) handles federal-level inspection and enforcement under the Food and Drugs Act and the Safe Food for Canadians Act.
Provincial framework
Alberta's Food Regulation (AR 31/2006) is made under the Public Health Act. The Food Retail and Foodservices Code is a companion document used alongside the Regulation. Requirements are enforced through Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health and Public Health Inspectors.
Watch · Alberta
Alberta Food Safety Law in 2 Minutes
Hosted by Samira Ali, Certified Public Health Inspector
A 2-minute primer on Alberta's certification rule, AHS enforcement, and what inspectors look for.
The Binding Rule
How many certified food handlers does Alberta require?
Alberta's certification requirement under Section 31 of the Food Regulation depends on how many food handlers are working on-site.
Alberta Food Regulation, AR 31/2006, Section 31
Public Health Act · Alberta Health Services
Section 31 of the Food Regulation sets a tiered certification requirement based on the number of food handlers working on the premises.
Five or fewer food handlers: at least one individual who has care and control of the establishment must hold a recognized food safety certificate. That person may be off-site.
Six or more food handlers (including serving staff): at least one member of the management or supervisory staff must hold the certificate and be physically present while the establishment is operating.
≤5
Five or fewer food handlers
At least one person in care and control of the facility must be certified. That certified person may be off-site.
6+
Six or more food handlers
Counting serving staff, at least one member of management or supervisory staff must hold the certificate and be physically present while the facility is operating.
SA
Count everyone who handles food, not just the kitchen
"Serving staff count too. A small cafe can sit at five food handlers, then add two part-time servers for the lunch rush and cross into the six-or-more rule. At that point a certified manager or supervisor has to be on-site while you are open. The simple fix is to certify your supervisors and more of your team so a certified person in charge is always there."
Bottom line: Alberta Health Services recommends food safety training for everyone who handles food, not just the minimum.
Who Is Covered
Which businesses the rule applies to.
The certification requirement applies to commercial food establishments, with specific exemptions set out in the Food Regulation.
Typically required
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars or lounges
- Bakeries, delicatessens, and butcher shops
- Cafeterias and caterers
- Convenience stores and mobile food trucks that prepare or serve food
- Social care facilities (daycares, seniors' homes) that provide care to more than 10 people
- Work camp kitchens (the same tiered Section 31 rule applies)
Exempt under the Regulation
- Establishments where only unpackaged low-risk food is made available to the public
- Establishments where all food is received pre-packaged and sold in the same form it was received (for example, selling only pre-packaged snacks or drip coffee)
- Social care facilities providing care to 10 or fewer people
Once an exempt premise begins preparing or serving higher-risk food on-site, the certification requirement applies.
What Applies to You
Owner, supervisor, or food handler? Here is your rule.
Find your role inside an Alberta food business below.
Owners and operators
Most commercial food establishments need a food handling permit from Alberta Health Services before operating, separate from staff certification. Holding the certificate yourself is the simplest way to keep at least one certified person in care and control.
Register now →Supervisors and managers
When six or more food handlers are on-site, a member of management or supervisory staff must hold the certificate and be present while the facility operates. Certifying your supervisors is the practical way to meet this.
Register now →Food handlers and kitchen staff
An approved food handler course is the way to be certified. Alberta Health Services recommends training for everyone who handles food, not just the minimum.
Register now →Where to Get Certified
Choose a course on the Government of Alberta recognized list.
Alberta keeps a recognized food safety courses list. If a course is not on that list, the certificate is not accepted in Alberta. Always confirm your provider before you register.
★ Recommended
Our food handler course
A Canadian food safety course built and reviewed by a Certified Public Health Inspector and aligned with Alberta's regulatory framework.
- On the Government of Alberta recognized food safety courses list
- Meets the certification requirement of the Alberta Food Regulation (AR 31/2006)
- Certificate issued with a 5-year validity, in line with standard Canadian practice
- Self-paced and online, with instant download after passing
$49.95 / certificate
One-time payment. Course, exam, and certificate included.
Register Now →
How to check a provider
Before you choose any provider, confirm the course is recognized in Alberta.
- Check the Government of Alberta Recognized Food Safety Courses list (linked below)
- Make sure the course matches your delivery method, classroom or online
- Keep your certificate on file to show your Public Health Inspector on request
During an Inspection
What to expect from an Alberta inspection.
Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health Officers carry out inspections of food premises across the province.
They check certificates and records
Inspectors may ask to see food handler certificates and your food safety records. Keep them on file and ready to produce on request.
They check your food handling permit
Most commercial food establishments require a food handling permit from Alberta Health Services before operating.
They assess the premises in real time
Inspectors may check storage and temperatures, hygiene practices, cleaning, and cross-contamination controls, and may take samples.
They have enforcement powers
Under the Public Health Act, inspectors can issue orders, suspend or cancel a food handling permit, and close premises where there is a health risk. Inspection reports and orders may be published by Alberta Health Services.
Frequently Asked
Alberta food safety FAQs.
The questions operators ask most about Alberta's Food Regulation.
What is the main food safety regulation in Alberta?
The main regulation is Alberta's Food Regulation, AR 31/2006. It sets requirements for food handling permits, food establishments, sanitation, hygiene, temperature control, food safety training, farmers' markets, special events, and related food operations.
Who enforces food safety requirements in Alberta?
Food safety requirements are enforced through Alberta's public health system, including Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health and Public Health Inspectors.
How many certified food handlers are required in Alberta?
At least one certified person is required. If six or more food handlers are working on-site, including serving staff, a member of the management or supervisory staff must hold the certificate and be physically present. If five or fewer food handlers are working on-site, the certified person in care and control may be off-site.
Does every food worker in Alberta need a food handler certificate?
Not necessarily. The Regulation sets minimum certification requirements, but Alberta Health Services strongly recommends food safety training for everyone who handles food.
Which businesses are exempt from the certification requirement?
Under the Food Regulation, the requirement does not apply where an establishment makes available only unpackaged low-risk food, or where all food is received pre-packaged and sold in the same form it was received. Social care facilities providing care to 10 or fewer people are also exempt. Once a premise begins preparing or serving higher-risk food on-site, the requirement applies.
How do I know a course is approved in Alberta?
Approved courses appear on the Government of Alberta's Recognized Food Safety Courses list, in both classroom and online formats. Always confirm your provider is on that list before you register. Our food handler certificate is on the recognized list.
How long is a food handler certificate valid in Alberta, and how do I renew?
Our food handler certificate is issued with a 5-year validity, in line with standard Canadian practice. Alberta's Food Regulation does not set a fixed expiry, but renewing every 5 years keeps your training current. To renew, take a recognized food safety course again before your certificate's expiry date.
Do I need a food handling permit in Alberta?
Most commercial food establishments require a food handling permit before operating. Alberta Health Services provides permit and business-startup resources for food facilities. The permit and your food handler certificate are separate requirements.
Sources
Official Alberta food safety resources.
Every requirement on this page is drawn from these government sources.
Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services
Primary sources for Alberta food safety law and certification.
- Alberta Food Regulation, AR 31/2006
- AHS: Food Safety Training Requirements in Alberta
- Government of Alberta: Recognized Food Safety Courses
- AHS: Open a Business and Food Handling Permit resources
- Food Retail and Foodservices Code
- AHS: Starting a Food Business
Last reviewed: June 2026. Regulations can change. Always confirm current requirements with Alberta Health Services or your local Public Health Inspector.
Keep your Alberta business inspection-ready
Get a recognized food handler certificate.
Meet the Alberta Food Regulation with a recognized course. No classroom, no travel. Complete the full course and exam online.
$49.95 · Per person · Course and exam included
Instant download after passing
Recognized across Alberta
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