Navigating the food industry in Texas requires understanding and adhering to specific safety standards, and a key component of this is food manager certification. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Certified Food Manager (CFM) Program has been a cornerstone of food safety since 1988, ensuring that food establishments are managed by individuals knowledgeable in safe food handling practices. This certification is not just an industry standard but also a regulatory requirement in many parts of Texas.
Understanding the Texas CFM Program
The CFM Program in Texas plays a vital role in public health by accrediting food manager training programs and licensing examination providers. This system ensures that individuals entering the food industry, as well as seasoned professionals, have access to quality education and certification options. It’s important to note that DSHS does not directly administer training, examinations, or issue CFM certificates. Instead, they oversee and accredit the organizations that do.
For individuals seeking certification, it’s crucial to understand the pathways available:
- Accredited Training Programs: These programs offer comprehensive courses, typically around 14 hours, designed for those new to the food industry. These programs culminate in an ANSI-CFP or DSHS approved examination.
- Licensed Test Sites: These are physical locations where individuals with existing food safety knowledge can take a DSHS-approved Internet examination or an ANSI-CFP examination.
- Internet Examination Providers: These providers offer DSHS-approved online examinations, catering to individuals who are well-versed in food safety practices.
- ANSI-CFP Examination Providers: Organizations accredited by the American National Standards Institute – Conference for Food Protection (ANSI-CFP) also offer examinations that are recognized by DSHS and provide national reciprocity for certifications.
Certifications obtained through ANSI-CFP accredited providers offer national reciprocity, meaning they are generally accepted across different states. Certifications from DSHS providers ensure state-wide reciprocity within Texas.
Who Needs Food Manager Certification in Texas?
While food manager certification is widely recommended and often considered a best practice in the food industry, certain areas in Texas have made it a legal requirement. Senate Bill (SB) 1158, effective September 1, 2017, allows counties with a population of four million or more to mandate that a certified or trained food manager is on duty during the operating hours of a food establishment. This legislation highlights the growing importance of food manager certification in ensuring public safety, particularly in densely populated regions.
It is always advisable to check with your local health jurisdiction – be it county, public health district, or city health department – to understand the specific requirements for food manager certification in your area.
How to Obtain Your Food Manager Certification
To become a Certified Food Manager in Texas, you must successfully pass a DSHS or ANSI-CFP approved food manager certification examination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Choose Your Path: Decide whether you need a comprehensive training program or if you are ready to take the examination directly.
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Select a Provider:
- For Training: Explore CFM training programs for classroom or online options.
- For Examination: Choose from Test sites, Internet examination providers, or ANSI-CFP examination providers.
- For ANSI-CFP information, visit ANSI and Conference for Food Protection.
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Register and Prepare: Contact your chosen provider to register for their training program or examination. Prepare for the examination by studying food safety principles and practices.
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Take the Examination: Complete the examination through your selected provider.
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Receive Your Certificate: Upon passing the examination, you will receive an official Certified Food Manager Certificate. This certificate is valid for five years.
Remember to obtain your examination results directly from the program or test site where you took the test. DSHS does not maintain these records.
Displaying Your Certificate
Once certified, your official Certified Food Manager Certificate must be displayed in a location within your food establishment that is easily visible to customers. This transparency assures consumers of your commitment to food safety. National certificates may vary in appearance and issuance process, so confirm specifics with your examination provider.
Maintaining Food Safety Standards in Texas
The Texas CFM Program is committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring food service employees are well-educated in food safety. By obtaining and maintaining your food manager certification, you contribute to providing safe food products for consumers across Texas. This certification is more than just a piece of paper; it represents your dedication to upholding the highest standards of food safety and public health in the food industry.
