Unsafe food handling is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
As such, handling food safely is important for preventing food hazards from getting into food and making people sick.
To encourage and increase knowledge of safe food handling, many states, health departments, and food establishments require their employees to earn a food handler card.
However, because you may wonder what a food handlers card actually does, this article explains its purpose, and how you can earn one.
The purpose of a food handlers card
The primary purpose of a food handlers card —also known as a food handler certificate, license, or permit — is to prove to health inspectors or your employer that you have the knowledge necessary to handle food safely.
Many states and health departments require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or convenience store.
While not typically thought of as a food establishment, nursing homes, schools, and some hotels also fit the definition of one since they store, prepare, and serve food.
Even if the state or county in which you work doesn’t require you to earn a food handler card, your employer may still require it to demonstrate their commitment to food safety.
As such, earning a food handlers card allows you to work at a food establishment where it’s required — whether by law or your employer.
Summary
A food handler card allows you to work at a food establishment in areas where the law or employer requires it.
How to earn a food handlers card
Earning a food handler card is simple and usually takes two hours or less, but in some places, the process may take longer.
To get started, enroll with a valid online food handler training provider.
Not all food handler courses are the same, so if you’re required to earn one, make sure that your health department or employer accepts it.
Most health departments and employers accept food handler trainings that are ANSI-National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited, like FoodSafePal’s.
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However, depending on where you work, your health department might not recognize other food handler cards and only accept food handler cards they issue.
After you enroll, complete the course lessons, which cover essential food safety topics such as:
- biological, chemical, and physical food hazards
- good personal hygiene and handwashing
- time and temperature controls for food safety
- cross-contamination and cross-contact prevention
- cleaning and sanitizing procedures
Once you complete the course content, you must take and pass a test to earn your food handler card.
The number of questions and minimum passing score varies by the training provider, but you can expect around 40 multiple-choice questions and a 70% to pass.
You can take this free food handlers practice test to help prepare you for the real deal.
It’s best practice to keep your food handler card or certificate on you —either as a physical or digital copy —and provide a copy to your manager.
If you misplace your food handler card, you can download or print another — usually for free — from the provider in which you earned it.
Food handler cards are generally good for three years, but in some places like Texas, a food handler card is good for two years.
Summary
To earn your food handler card, enroll with a provider accepted by your health department or employer, complete the training, and pass the test.
The benefits of having a food handlers card
Most people earn a food handler card because their health department or employer require it.
However, there are many benefits to earning one, even if you’re not required to.
For example, it can be good justification for a pay raise since you’re providing more value to your employer in the form of food safety knowledge.
The more you know about and practice food safety, the better you can protect customers from foodborne illness and do better on health inspections.
A food handler card can also help you get promoted since you’re more qualified for your role and to train and monitor others on food safety.
Earning a food handler card is also useful if you’re looking for a job since it can make your resume stand above other applicants.
Another benefit is that once earned, the food handler card belongs to you and not your employer.
This means you don’t need to take another food handler course since it follows you if you change jobs, unless your new job is in a county that only issues and accepts food handler cards issued by the health department.
These are just a few of the benefits that earning your food handler card — even if your employeer or health department doesn’t require it.
Summary
Earning a food handler card —even if your employer or health department doesn’t require it —can boost your income, help you get promoted, and make your resume stand out, among other benefits.
The bottom line
A food handler card allows you to work at a food establishment in areas where your employer or health department requires it.
To earn your food handler card, enroll with an approved online training provider, complete the course content, and pass the test.
Even if your employer or health department doesn’t require it, earning your food handler card can earn you a higher wage, help you get promoted, and make you more competitive when searching for you next gig, among other benefits.
Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
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