Minnesota Food Handlers Certificate

How do I get a food handler card in Minnesota?

Getting your food handler card in Minnesota is very straightforward. Just complete a food handler training program and pass the exam! You'll get a certificate of completion immediately that you take to your employer as proof of training. Be sure to ask if any additional steps are required by local authorities. Enroll now to get your food handler certification in Minnesota!

Does Minnesota require food handler training?

Food handler training is recommended in Minnesota, because it supports the food safety goals of the Minnesota Department of Health.

You'll also make yourself a more attractive hire, since you'll already be trained in the food safety principles your employer would otherwise have to teach you. 

You can work in a variety of establishments like:

• Restaurants, from fine dining to fast food
• Coffee shops, bakeries, and delis
• Lounges or bars with food menus
• School and health care cafeterias
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores that serve potentially hazardous food
• Food trucks, carts, and other mobile units
• And many more…

Depending on where you live, there might be additional requirements. Double check with your city, county, or employer to make sure you get necessary training.

Can I take an online course to get my food handler certificate?

Online courses are a great way to get food safety training on a personalized schedule. Online food handler certificate courses are faster, cheaper, and more convenient than in-person courses.

Our food handler permit course at Learn2Serve, by 360training, is ANAB-accredited—meaning it follows the highest training standards in the industry.

You'll learn to prevent the spread of foodborne illness by:

• Heating, cooling, and holding food at a safe time and temperature
• Avoiding cross-contamination
• Practicing personal hygiene and effective hand-washing practices
• Receiving and storing food safely
• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment the right way

How long does a Minnesota food handlers permit last?

Regular refreshers are the key to compliance, which is why renewing your Minnesota food handler permit is generally recommended every 2-3 years.  Check with your employer or local health authority for specific requirements.

Why should I take food handler training?

If you want to be a food employee in Minnesota, you should learn how to protect yourself and your customers from foodborne illness.

Especially since Minnesota has one of the higher rates of foodborne disease outbreaks in the country. In 2017, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 43 foodborne disease outbreaks in Minnesota. This is similar to the 45 outbreaks reported in2016.

If you practice what you learn in food handler training, you can help ensure the number of outbreaks continues going down every year.

What jobs can I get in Minnesota with my food handler license?

In Minnesota, a food handler license qualifies you for many types of jobs. The training's designed for anyone who works with unpackaged food and/or food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.

That includes positions like:

• Cooks/Chefs
• Waitstaff
• Bartenders
• Food prep workers
• Food runners
• Dishwashers
• Bussers

And job demand is high because the food and beverage industry in Minnesota is growing fast.

According to the Minnesota Restaurant Association (MRA), in 2019 there were 275,900 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 9% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 8.6% by the year 2029.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Minnesota, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

If you get your food handler card before you apply for any of these jobs, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Where can I find more information about food safety in Minnesota?

Minnesota Department of Health: Learn about foodborne illnesses, as well as food safety in business, in schools, and at home.

Minnesota Administrative Rules: You can find the Minnesota Food Code here in full.