Working in the food service industry often means directly handling food that will be served to the public. To ensure the safety of consumers and maintain hygiene standards, many regions require food workers to receive proper food safety training and obtain a food handler card, sometimes referred to as a food handler permit. This certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge to handle food safely, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your food handler card, ensuring you’re compliant and well-prepared for your role in the food industry.
Who Needs a Food Handler Card?
If you’re involved in any aspect of food handling, you likely need a food handler card. Generally, a food worker is defined as someone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or any surfaces that come into contact with unwrapped food. This broad definition covers a variety of roles within the food industry.
You are considered a food worker if you:
- Prepare food
- Cook food
- Serve food
- Handle dishes and utensils
- Work in food storage areas
Essentially, if your job involves touching food that will be served to the public or surfaces that food will touch, you will almost certainly need a food handler card. It’s always best to check the specific regulations of your local health department or jurisdiction, as requirements can vary slightly by location.
Steps to Obtain Your Food Handler Card
Getting your food handler card typically involves a straightforward process designed to equip you with essential food safety knowledge. Here are the general steps:
1. Food Safety Training
The first and most crucial step is to complete a food safety training course. These courses are designed to teach you the fundamentals of safe food handling practices. Training covers critical areas such as:
- Personal Hygiene: Proper handwashing techniques, wearing clean attire, and maintaining overall cleanliness to prevent contamination.
- Time and Temperature Control: Understanding the danger zone for bacterial growth and how to safely cook, hold, and cool food.
- Preventing Cross-Contamination: Learning how to keep raw and cooked foods separate and properly sanitize surfaces and equipment.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: Knowing the correct procedures for cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces to eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Foodborne Illnesses: Understanding the common causes of foodborne illnesses and how to prevent them.
These training courses are often available online or in person through local health departments or accredited providers. The duration of the training can vary, but it generally takes a few hours to complete.
2. Pass the Food Safety Exam
After completing the training, you will need to pass a food safety exam to demonstrate your understanding of the material. The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions covering the topics learned in the training course.
To prepare for the exam, it is recommended to:
- Pay close attention during the training: Actively participate and take notes during the training session.
- Review study materials: Many training providers offer study guides or manuals to help you prepare.
- Practice tests: Some online courses provide practice tests to familiarize you with the exam format and question types.
Once you pass the exam, you will be eligible to receive your food handler card.
3. Receive Your Food Handler Card
Upon successful completion of the training and exam, you will be issued your food handler card. The format of the card can vary; some are physical cards, while others are digital and accessible online.
Where to Get Your Card:
- Local Health Departments: Often, local health departments are the primary providers of food handler cards. They offer training, administer the exam, and issue the cards. Check the website of your local health department for specific instructions and schedules.
- Online Providers: Many health departments and accredited organizations offer online food handler training and exams. This provides a convenient and flexible option to get certified. Ensure that the online provider is authorized and recognized by your local health department or jurisdiction. In Washington State, for example, www.foodworkercard.wa.gov is the authorized online provider.
Important Information About Your Food Handler Card
Once you have your food handler card, it’s important to understand the details and requirements associated with it:
- Validity: Food handler cards are not permanent and have an expiration date. The validity period varies by location, often ranging from 2 to 3 years. It’s crucial to know when your card expires and renew it before it does to maintain compliance. In Washington State, the first card is valid for 2 years, with renewals lasting 3 or 5 years.
- Renewal: To renew your food handler card, you will typically need to retake a food safety training course and pass the exam again. Renewal processes are usually simpler if you renew before your card expires.
- Cost: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining a food handler card, which covers the cost of the training, exam, and card issuance. The cost can vary depending on the provider and location, but it is generally affordable. In Washington State, the card costs $10.
- Transferability: Food handler card regulations and reciprocity vary by region. A card obtained in one state or county may not be valid in another. If you move or work in a different jurisdiction, you may need to obtain a new food handler card that is recognized in that area. In Washington State, a food worker card is valid throughout the state. However, cards from other states are not accepted.
- Keeping Your Card: It’s essential to keep your food handler card readily available, especially while working. Some employers may require you to present your card upon hiring or during health inspections. Keeping a physical or digital copy accessible at your workplace is advisable.
Preparing for the Food Safety Exam
To maximize your chances of passing the food safety exam, consider utilizing available resources:
- Study Guides and Manuals: Many health departments and training providers offer study guides or manuals that cover the topics tested in the exam. In Washington State, the “Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual” serves as a study guide.
- Practice Tests: Take advantage of any practice tests offered. These can help you identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
- Review Key Concepts: Prioritize reviewing key concepts such as handwashing, temperature control, cross-contamination, and cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
By adequately preparing, you can confidently pass the exam and obtain your food handler card.
Conclusion
Obtaining a food handler card is a vital step for anyone working in the food service industry. It demonstrates your commitment to food safety and ensures that you have the knowledge to protect public health. By following these steps and understanding the requirements in your area, you can easily get your food handler card and embark on a successful and safe career in the food industry. Always remember to keep your knowledge updated and renew your card as required to maintain the highest standards of food safety.
