Food safety would be crucial, especially in food service sector, and the odds are against us. Each day, hundreds of ingredients are interacted with by chefs, cooks, waiters, and bartenders. Foodborne infections can result from simple errors like utilizing unclean vegetables or even unrefrigerated meat.
So, is obtaining a Food Handlers Card mandatory? Continue reading to get the answer.
Getting Your Food Handler’s Card
A food handlers card, permit or certificate is another name for a food handler’s license, and it attests to the fact that you finished the food safety course that has been certified by the county or state. Anybody who is working with uncooked food, the food equipment, or a surface that touches food is called a “food handler” or “food employee.”
To obtain the food handlers card, you must pass a test and a course on food handling. Essential business procedures are covered in these training programs, and Trainees are taught crucial rules about hand hygiene, allergies, food temperature, and other topics.
As mentioned above, keep reading to understand your responsibilities, whether you are a business owner, food handler, or industry employee.
As a Business Owner
It is your responsibility as a business owner to ensure that every employee handling food has the appropriate food handlers card. This card is a license that attests to a worker’s completion of fundamental food safety training and knowledge of good kitchen hygiene.
A food handlers card is required in the US for every restaurant. However, the application procedure varies significantly by state and city. Even if the process for obtaining one is sometimes controlled, it’s very simple once you know the guidelines.
As an Employee
We know that handling food requires caution since it is susceptible to contamination. Employees must receive the appropriate training to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently, as this will help the company avoid management errors that might endanger the health of its clients.
As a result, the law mandates that we complete this training, which typically takes the form of a certificate or a food handler card. In addition to being required by law, it also supports proper food hygiene. Each employee who comes into touch with food, whether directly or indirectly, must receive this training and be able to demonstrate it.
And this is true for any industry that deals with food in some manner, whether in the hotel, restaurant, food, transit, packaging, etc. Each of them must possess the appropriate certificate authorizing them to do so.
Careers Requiring a Food Handler’s Card
Various industries require training in food handling. As we’ve already shown, it is mandatory if the job entails direct or indirect food handling.
Accordingly, rather than focusing on a particular industry, figuring out whether this applies to our line of work is essential. If it does, then training is required. Some of the several sectors that the regulation specifically targets are listed below.
1. Hospitality and Dining
The hospitality sector of the economy includes a variety of vocations under the category of hospitality. It covers lodging, food and beverage service, event planning, theme parks, travel, and tourism, including lodging facilities like hotels, travel businesses, and bars.
2. Food and Beverage
Any businesses turning unprocessed agricultural materials into consumer food products are categorized as part of the food and beverage industry. Food processing, packing, and distribution are all in the whole sector’s supply chain.
3. Health Care and Social Assistance
This sector includes businesses that offer individuals social support and health care, such as nursing homes, dental and mental health care, laboratory and diagnostic care, nutritional support, and pharmaceutical care.
4. Transport and Distribution
This sector offers passenger and freight transportation, warehousing and storage for items, including consumer goods, transportation for scenic and tourist purposes, and support services for various forms of transportation.
5. Processing Industry
The fundamental manufacturing procedures in the process industries may occur on an identical batch of materials or are continuous over a whole sector. For instance, a food manufacturing business that produces sauce may do so from the time components are received through packing in a constant, endless chain.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is a food handler?
Any food establishment employee who handles food or touches objects like cutlery, plates, and bowls that are likely to come into contact with food is considered a food handler.
What training should a food handler have?
All food handlers are required by law to have sufficient supervision, education, and food handling certification. Although many employers may encourage their personnel to pursue formal training or a credential, it is not legally required.
What is the first thing a food handler must do?
When preparing meals, wash your hands thoroughly before you begin and after every break, especially if you need to itch or have just used the restroom. Before handling other foods, wash your hands one more after handling raw items like fish, meat, or poultry.
The Bottom Line: What We Know
Knowing the necessity to handle food when handling food meant for consumption is essential. We strive to lessen consumer risks by ensuring that consumers’ health is not in danger while preserving the overall quality of the food.
Hence, to guarantee that you have the necessary skills in food handling and minimize hazards, whether you are a business owner or a food handler employee, you must obtain a food handlers card or certificate.
