Utah Food Handlers Card & Training Online

What Is Utah Food Handler Training?

Food handler training generally covers food safety best practices to control the spread of foodborne illness.

State law in Utah requires all “food handlers” to obtain training through an approved provider within 14 days of starting employment. The state defines a food handler as a “person who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces for a food establishment” as defined elsewhere in the legislative code.

This means that servers, cooks, dishwashers, bussers, and similar positions require food handler certification while working for restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, delis, bakeries, grocery stores, convenience stores, and many other types of businesses.

What Does Utah Food Handler Permit Training Cover?

For the state of Utah, Salt Lake County Health Department requires all individuals preparing, serving, or handling food in food service establishments or mobile food units to complete adequate training, either as a certified food handler or a certified food safety manager.

To obtain your official Utah food handler permit, you must first finish an approved training course. Food handler training teaches you about best practices for preventing foodborne illness as well as Utah food safety rules. Topics also covered are:

• Food Safety Fundamentals
• Foodborne Disease, Biohazards, and Food Spoilage
• Contamination
• Temperature and Food Control
• Food Contamination Prevention
• Receiving and Properly Storing Food
• Sanitizing
• Pest Control

After completing a food handler training course that has been approved by the Utah Department of Health, food handler cards are given out.

How Do I Get a Food Handlers Permit in Utah?

Once you complete your training and pass the exam, you can print your certificate of completion right away as a temporary food handlers card. Your results will be sent automatically to your local health department, who will mail you a permanent food handlers permit. Enroll now to start your online training!

Can I Get My Utah Food Handlers Permit Online?

Absolutely—the state of Utah accepts both in-person and online food handler courses.

But the training provider MUST be approved by the Utah Department of Health, such as the Learn2Serve® by 360training.

Enroll in our online food handler card training to meet state requirements.

How Much Does Food Handler Training in Utah Cost?

The cost of Utah food handler training can vary depending on your course provider, but typically ranges from $15 to $30. For added value, we also offer a course bundle that includes Utah alcohol training, giving you a more cost-effective option.

Does Utah Require Food Handlers Permit Training?

Yes. Under Utah Administrative Code R392-103, within 14 days of employment, all food handlers must obtain a certificate by completing an approved training program.

That certificate is accepted as a temporary card for 30 days while you wait for the health department that serves your county to issue your official food handlers permit.

Permits are required for anyone who works with unpackaged food (or food-contact surfaces, equipment or utensils) for a food establishment or food truck. If you've earned Food Safety Manager Certification, you don't need food handler training.

Some examples of food service establishments that require food handler permits include:

• Restaurants
• Fast food joints
• Coffee shops and delis
• Bakeries, cafes, and donut shops
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores that serve potentially hazardous food
• Food trucks

Some examples of food service establishments that require food handler permits include:

• Restaurants
• Fast food joints
• Coffee shops and delis
• Bakeries, cafes, and donut shops
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores that serve potentially hazardous food
• Food trucks

How Long Does a Utah Food Handler Course Take?

The Utah food handler’s course is designed to take approximately 4 hours to complete. However, the actual time can vary depending on factors such as your individual learning pace, familiarity with the material, and the time you allocate to studying. Since the course is online, you have the flexibility to complete it at your own speed, allowing you to progress through the material as quickly or slowly as you need.

Does Utah Honor Food Handler Permits from Other States? 

Generally, no. There's one exception for certain exempt back-country food establishments. "The local health officer shall accept a food handler permit issued to a back-country outfitter by the United States Department of the Interior, or by a public health authority in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, or Wyoming. This applies only to food handling done at a back-country food establishment that meets the exemption requirements of Section 26-15a-105(1)(i)." 

How Old Must You Be to Serve Food in Utah?

In the state of Utah, minors may begin working in the food industry and other non-hazardous jobs at the age of 14. However, Utah is unique in that it requires people to be 21 or older to sell alcohol or work as a bartender. Persons between the ages of 17 and 20 may sell alcohol in stores for off-site consumption. However, they must be supervised by someone over the age of 21.

How Long Does a Food Handlers Permit in Utah Last?

Your food handlers permit is valid statewide for three years. Before three years are up, you’ll need to complete a food handler training course again.

Why Should I Take Utah Food Handlers Training?

First of all, if you plan on working as a food employee, the state requires you to complete an approved food handler training course.

Additionally, you need to know how to prevent foodborne illnesses.

In the year 2017, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there was a total of 20 foodborne disease outbreaks in Utah. This is up from the 10 outbreaks reported in 2016 but similar to the 24 reported in 2015.

If you practice what you learn, you can help keep the number of outbreaks down.

Will I Have to Pay Any Extra Fees to Get My Permit? 

No. Your $15 food handler permit fee is included in the purchase price of the course. We send the fees to the appropriate health district, and they will mail your official permit to the address you supplied in the course. 

Will I Need to Visit the Health District Office to get my Permit? 

No. When you complete the course, we send the necessary fees and information to the health department for you, and they will mail your food handler permit to you. 

What Jobs Can I Get with My Permit?

As discussed above, there are a variety of establishments you can work at.

And within each establishment, there are numerous jobs because the food and beverage industry in Salt Lake City, Provo, West Valley City, and across the state is growing extremely fast.

According to the Utah Restaurant Association (URA), in 2019 there were 129,900 restaurant and foodservice jobs, which translates to 8% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 13% by the year 2029. Considering the national job growth average of 5%, that's quite a boom.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in UT, 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:

Where Can I Find More Information about Food Safety?

• Utah Department of Health: This department writes and interprets the state's food safety standards. You can find regulations on the cause and prevention of foodborne illnesses here, including the Utah Food Code.
• Local Health Departments: You can find further resources from your local health department, some of which serve multiple counties. Check for the service area and contact information.