Who Needs a Food Handler Certificate

Food safety is a matter of public health. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that one out of every six Americans gets ill annually due to contaminated food and drinks. 

To address this, several states have implemented laws mandating food handler training. They typically require that employees undergo food safety training to be employed in establishments that offer food. 

Fortunately, you can complete a food handler training program right from your own home. In this blog, we’ll tell you exactly who needs a food handler’s certificate or card and why it’s important. 

What Is a Food Handler? 

A food handler is anyone who works with food during its preparation, storage, or serving. This includes tasks such as cooking, packaging, delivering, or even stocking food in a restaurant, grocery store, or other food service establishment. Food handlers are responsible for ensuring safe food practices to prevent contamination and maintain public health.

What Is a Food Handler Card? 

A food handler card, also known as a food handler certificate, is an official document that verifies an individual has completed a food safety training program and understands essential food safety practices. This certification is often mandatory for employees involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in various establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. 

What Is a Food Handler's Certificate? 

A food handler's certificate or card, as mentioned above, is proof that an individual has undergone and completed food handler training. This training addresses topics such as: 

• Foodborne illnesses 
• Personal hygiene 
• Temperature controls 
• Cross-contamination prevention 
• Proper cleaning and sanitizing techniques 

Many local health departments require that food establishments have certified food handlers on duty to ensure consumer safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. The certificate typically requires attending a training course and passing an exam, and it is generally valid for a set period before renewal is required. 

Why Is a Food Handler's Certificate Important in the Food Industry? 

The food handler's certificate is crucial in the food industry because it ensures that individuals involved in food preparation, storage, and service are knowledgeable about safe food handling practices. 

This knowledge reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can have severe health consequences for consumers and lead to significant economic losses for businesses. 

In other words, it demonstrates that your staff has undergone the essential food safety training to minimize the risk of customers contracting a foodborne illness. 

Essentially, a well-informed staff can maintain the reputation of a food establishment, preventing potential lawsuits, negative publicity, and the costs associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. 

Benefits of Food Handler's Certificate 

A food handler's certificate offers many benefits, both to the individual holder and to the broader food service industry. Here's a detailed explanation of these benefits:

Improved Food Safety Practices 

A food handler's certificate program equips individuals with knowledge about best practices in food safety. This includes understanding temperature controls, proper food storage, and recognizing potential food contamination risks. With this knowledge, certified food handlers can implement better safety protocols, ensuring that the food prepared and served meets high safety standards.

Reduced Risks of Foodborne Illnesses 

Foodborne illnesses can be severe, sometimes even fatal. Training food handlers on the signs and causes of contamination and on ways to prevent it can help significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks. This protects not only customers but also the reputation and viability of the food service establishment. 

Enhanced Credibility in the Industry 

In an industry where trust is an absolute must, having certified staff showcases a commitment to safety and professionalism. Establishments that prioritize certification often enjoy better reputations, attracting more customers who feel assured about the safety of their food.  

Compliance With Food Safety Regulations

The evolution of food safety regulations has been shaped by addressing one lethal hazard after another. Each regulation emerges from a past issue that once caused death or significant harm.

Food rules protect against malpractice in the food industry, such as tampering and the repercussions of taking shortcuts. Detailed rules at each production stage ensure the system remains robust and secure. 

For this reason, in many states, having certified food handlers is not just a best practice but a legal requirement. Obtaining the certificate ensures compliance with local health regulations, avoiding potential fines or other penalties. And even if not required, having a food safety permit shows customers and officials that your business maintains healthy practices.

Who Needs a Food Handler's Card? 

There are various roles and positions where a food handler’s certificate is necessary (depending on regulations). However, we will be focusing specifically on roles and positions within the food service industry. Of course, it also depends on specific jurisdictions and establishment policies. 

Some of the common positions that often require this certificate include: 

• Line cooks and prep cooks
• Chefs and sous chefs
• Dishwashers
• Bakers and pastry chefs
• Food runners and expediters
• Waitstaff and servers
• Bartenders
• Buffet attendants
• Catering staff
• Food Truck Operators
• Deli counter workers
• Hosts and hostesses
• Kitchen assistants 
• Cashiers 
• Fruit pickers 
• Butchers 
• Fishmongers 

Food Handlers Card Requirements by State 

Here's a list of each state's requirements, including rules in specific jurisdictions:

• Alabama
  • Jefferson/Mobile County: All food service employees need a license. Elsewhere: Only one manager needs food manager training and certification. 
• Alaska
  • Food worker card within 30 days of being hired. In Anchorage: Card within three weeks.
• Arizona
  • Regulations vary by county.
• Arkansas
  • Only one supervisor must pass an accredited food manager training program. 
• California
  • California Food Handler Card (CFH) within 30 days of being hired for most counties. San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside counties don't recognize CFH and have different requirements. 
• Colorado
  • No state requirement for a food handler's permit. One manager must pass an ANSI-accredited food protection program.
• Connecticut
  • One manager/supervisor must become a Qualified Food Operator (QFO).
• Delaware
  • One supervisor must become a food protection manager. 
• Florida
  • Supervisors must become certified food managers. Other employees need a food handler license. 
• Georgia
  • A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) must always be on-site. 
• Hawaii
  • At least one person per shift must have food safety certification. 
• Idaho  
  • One CFPM on-site is recommended. Other employees are recommended to pass the Idaho Food Safety Exam. 
• Illinois  
  • Employees contacting food need a permit.
• Indiana 
  • At least one employee must become a CFPM.  
• Iowa  
  • The person in charge must pass a food safety test.
• Kansas  
  • No state laws. Check local requirements.
• Kentucky  
  • Check with the local health department.
• Louisiana  
  • One worker must become a certified food safety manager. 
• Maine 
  • One owner/supervisor must earn a food manager's certification every five years.  
• Maryland  
  • Standards vary by location. Check with the local health department. 
• Massachusetts  
  • One trained food safety manager required, and one backup person trained in food safety.  
• Michigan 
  • At least one food safety manager per restaurant.
• Minnesota  
  • One employee certified as a food safety manager. Renew education every three years.     
• Mississippi  
  • One full-time employee must pass a food safety manager exam.   
• Missouri 
  • No state requirements. Check local laws.
• Montana 
  • One CFPM required.    
• Nebraska 
  • Check with your county's health department.
• Nevada 
  • One CFPM must be on-site during business hours. Check local regulations.         
• New Hampshire 
  • Check the requirements for self-inspecting counties.    
• New Jersey  
  • CFPM required. Other team members might need food handler's licenses, based on county. 
• New Mexico  
  • All employees in contact with food need a food handler's license. One supervisor must be a CFPM. 
• New York 
  • Requirements vary by location.
• North Carolina  
  • At least one person in charge must become a CFPM. 
• North Dakota 
  • Some areas require food handler’s licenses. Check with local health departments. 
• Ohio 
  • Two levels of employee training required. Contact local health department for specifics. 
• Oklahoma 
  • Requirements vary by city.   
• Oregon  
  • Employees must get a food handler's license within 30 days.
• Pennsylvania 
  • At least one employee per shift must be "person-in-charge" and pass an accredited exam. 
• Rhode Island  
  • One supervisor must pass an 8-hour program. If over ten employees, two certified food safety managers needed.   
• South Carolina 
  • One CFPM required. 
• South Dakota 
  • At least one manager must be a certified food service manager.
• Tennessee  
  • One certified food protection manager required, with some exceptions.    
• Texas 
  • All food service employees need a food handler's card. One supervisor must be trained as a food safety manager.  
• Utah 
  • All food service workers must have a food handler's license within 30 days. 
• Vermont 
  • One supervisor must pass an accredited exam or show knowledge during inspection. 
• Virginia  
  • All establishments need a manager trained in an accredited program. Other employees may need licenses depending on the location. 
• Washington 
  • All food-handling employees need a food handler's card valid for two years.
• West Virginia 
  • Check local health department's guidelines.
• Wisconsin 
  • One certified food safety manager required. 
• Wyoming  
  • One certified food protection manager required. Check with local health department for specifics.

How to Renew Food Handlers Card 

If you’re wondering how to renew a food handlers card, you must retake an approved food safety training course and pass the associated exam. Here's how to renew your food handler card: 

1. Verify Your Food Handler Permit's Expiration Date

Confirm when your food handler permit expires and renew it ahead of time. Allowing it to expire may require you to restart the entire process. 

2. Review Renewal Requirements

Reach out to your local health department or regulatory authority to confirm the renewal requirements for your food handler permit. Depending on your state, you may need to complete a food safety training course or pass a food safety exam. 

3. Select an Approved Training Provider

If it’s required, choose a provider accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), like Learn2Serve by 360training, which offers online Food Handler’s Card and Certification Training courses for your state.

4. Complete the Training

Engage with the course material, which typically covers topics such as:

• Preventing foodborne illnesses
• Time and temperature controls 
• Personal hygiene
• Preventing cross-contamination
• Cleaning and sanitizing

5. Pass the Exam

After completing the training, take the exam. A passing score is usually 70%. Most providers allow multiple attempts if needed.

6. Obtain and Present Your New Card

Upon passing, you'll receive a new food handler card. The validity of this card depends on your jurisdiction. Print or download your card and provide a copy to your employer.

*Disclaimer: Renewal requirements for a food handler's permit can differ by state and even by county. For example, in California, if you work in Riverside, San Bernardino, or San Diego counties, you must obtain a county-specific food handler card, as state-issued cards are not valid in these areas. To ensure compliance, consult your local health department or regulatory agency for the latest guidelines. 

What Happens if You Don’t Have a Food Handler's Card? 

Operating without a valid food handler card can lead to significant legal and professional repercussions for both individuals and establishments in the food service industry.

Legal Consequences 

• Fines and Penalties: Health departments conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. If employees lack the required certifications, establishments can face fines that vary based on jurisdiction and the nature of the violation. 
• Business Closure: In severe cases of non-compliance, authorities may temporarily or permanently shut down a food establishment to protect public health. 
• Legal Liability: If improper food handling leads to foodborne illnesses, both the establishment and individual employees may face legal action, resulting in costly lawsuits and settlements.

Professional Consequences 

• Employment Challenges: Many employers require a valid food handler card as a condition of employment. Lacking this certification can limit job opportunities in the food service industry. 
• Reputational Damage: Operating without proper certification can harm an establishment's reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and revenue. 

Get Your Food Handlers Training From Learn2Serve by 360training 

Obtaining and maintaining a food handler card is not just about meeting legal requirements—it's a critical step in ensuring public health and enhancing your career in the food service industry. Proper training equips individuals with the knowledge to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain food safety standards, benefiting both customers and businesses alike.

If you're ready to take a step forward and get your food handler card or renew it, online training makes it easy and convenient. Programs like Food Handlers Card and Certificate Training by Learn2Serve by 360training provide state-approved food safety courses that fit your schedule. 

Plus, you can find out more about which jurisdictions require food handler training in our food handler coverage map!  

Start your training today to stay compliant and protect public health! 

Renewal and Recertification

Food handler's cards typically last 2 to 3 years, based on where you are, and food safety manager cards are good for 5 years. Since food handler’s certifications often need periodic renewal, this ensures that staff are regularly updated on the latest food safety standards and practices. This continuous learning cycle helps establishments stay current and responsive to any new challenges or knowledge in the field. 

When you’re ready to renew, here’s some useful information to consider: 

1. Renewal Process 

Duration: A food handler's certificate is typically valid for a specific period, often ranging from 2 to 3 years, depending on the jurisdiction or issuing authority.

• Notification: Certificate holders might receive a reminder (via mail, email, or another method) from the certifying body about the upcoming expiration of their certificate.
• Training: Renewal often requires taking a refresher course. This might be shorter than the initial training but will cover critical areas of food safety.
• Assessment: At the end of the training, food handlers may need to pass a test or assessment, similar to the initial certification process, to demonstrate their continued knowledge.
• Fees: There might be a fee associated with the renewal process. 

3. Recertification After Expiration 

• If a food handler fails to renew their certificate before its expiration, they might be required to undergo the full training process again rather than just a refresher course. 
• Some jurisdictions or employers might have stricter policies about expired certifications, so it's essential always to be aware of renewal dates and requirements. 

4. Where to Renew 

• Typically, the same organization or agency that issued the initial certificatie will handle renewals. Today, many organizations offer online renewal courses, making it more convenient for food handlers.
• Local health departments or regulatory bodies may provide information or resources on where and how to renew. 

Next Steps to Improve Food Safety 

Employers in the food industry have a direct responsibility to ensure that their staff is well-trained and that the food served is healthy and clean to avoid putting customers at health risk. 

Getting your food handler’s certificate through online training can be a great solution for restaurants – it's inexpensive and efficient, and with a reputable provider like Learn2Serve by 360training, it's always up-to-date and accurate. 

We provide state-approved options for many jurisdictions with mandatory training, and in places where jurisdiction is optional, you can relax knowing our food safety training is ANAB-accredited. 

Looking for a business solution? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today for more information!