Utah Food Handler Card Training
How do I get a food handler card in Utah?
It’s simple to get your food handler card in Utah! Once you complete your training and pass the exam, you can print your certificate of completion right away as a temporary food handler card. Your results will be sent automatically to your local health department, who will mail your permanent food handler permit to the mailing address you provide. Enroll now to get your food handler card in Utah.
Does Utah require food handler training?
Yes. Under Utah Administrative Code R392-103, within 14 days of employment all food handlers must obtain a food handler certificate by completing an accepted training program.
That certificate is accepted as a temporary food handler card for 30 days while you wait for the health department that serves your county to issue your official food handler permit.
Food handler 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
Can I take an online course to get my food handler permit?
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, courses.
Enroll in our online food handler card training to meet your state requirements in Utah.
How long does a Utah food handler permit last?
Your food handler 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 food handler training?
First of all, if you plan on working as a food employee, the state of Utah 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 in food handler training, you can help keep the number of outbreaks in Utah down.
What jobs can I get in Utah with my food handler license?
As discussed above, there are a variety of establishments you can work at with your Utah food handler license.
And within each establishment there are numerous jobs because the food and beverage industry in Utah is growing extremely fast.
According to the Utah Restaurant Association (URA), in 2019 there were 129,900 restaurant and food service 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 Utah, 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 | $10.17 | $21,140 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $11.54 | $24,000 |
| Fast Food Cook | $11.42 | $23,750 |
| Restaurant Cook | $13.15 | $27,350 |
Another thing to note is that you’ll need your Utah food handler card to get any of these jobs. And if you already have it before you apply, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!
Where can I find more information about food safety in Utah?
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 in Utah: You can find further resources from your local health department, some of which serve multiple counties. Check for service area and contact information here.
