Kansas Food Handler Card Training
How do I get a food handler card in Kansas?
It’s easy to get your food handler card in Kansas once you complete your training and pass the exam! Print your certificate of completion and take it to your employer or local health department as proof of training. Enroll now to get your food handler card in Kansas.
Does Kansas require food handler training?
According to the Kansas Food Code published by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, food employees need training on how to safely handle food, so they can prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. This includes training on how to:
- Cook and cool potentially hazardous food
- Sanitize equipment and food-contact surfaces
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Handwash effectively
Also, depending on the city or county you live in, there might be different requirements for food handlers. For example, The City of Leavenworth requires all employees who handle food to have a food handler card issued by the City of Leavenworth. It’s always best practice to double check with your city/county or employer for additional requirements.
Can I take an online course to get my food handler permit?
When it comes to food handler training in Kansas, you can take your course online or in-person.
Our food handler permit course at Learn2Serve, by 360training, is ANSI-accredited and follows the highest standards for food handler training courses.
How long does a Kansas food handlers certificate last?
Your Kansas food handler certificate is valid for three years.
Why should I take food handler training?
If you are going to work as a food employee in Kansas, you need to know how to keep yourself and your customers safe from foodborne illness.
In the year 2017, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there was a total of 26 foodborne disease outbreaks in Kansas. This is similar to the 29 outbreaks reported in 2016 and much lower than the 42 reported in 2015.
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 Kansas with my food handler license?
In Kansas, you can work at a variety of establishments if you have your food handler card. In fact, the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association (KRHA) confirms that in 2018 there were a total of 5,328 place locations in Kansas. Some examples include:
- Counter-service restaurants
- Fast food restaurants
- Fine-dining restaurants
- Coffee shops and bakeries
- Grocery stores
- And many more…
And within each establishment there are numerous jobs because the food and beverage industry in Kansas is growing extremely fast.
For example, the KRHA states that in 2019 there were 139,800 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 10% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 9.5% by the year 2029.
If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Kansas, 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:
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage | Average Yearly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | $9.50 | $ 19,750 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $9.68 | $20,140 |
| Fast Food Cook | $9.50 | $19,760 |
| Restaurant Cook | $11.37 | $19,760 |
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 Kansas?
Kansas Department of Agriculture: This department regulates the production and sale of food products to promote public safety. Here you’ll find several resources on food safety, as well as the Kansas Food Code.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: You can find more information about specific foodborne illnesses, as well as report any incidents of food-related illness you’ve experienced.
