How Do I Become a Food Handler?

The process necessary to become a food handler typically depends on laws or regulations in your area, though you likely need to pass a test and receive a license or card to legally handle food. This test is usually administered by a local or federal government agency, depending on where you live, and can include questions on a variety of food-related subjects such as the effects of hot and cold temperatures on food and how to prevent cross-contamination. Once you complete this test, then you can receive a card or permit that allows you to legally become a food handler.

You should typically consult with local government agencies in your area that monitor or license food handling to help you become a food handler. In the US, for example, the legal requirements for receiving a food handler’s card are typically set at a state level, and counties within each state then issue those cards. You can usually study for and take the test to become a food handler over the Internet, though you may be able to find a local testing center as well. A small fee is usually charged to take the test and receive your food handler’s card.

The test that you must pass to become a food handler typically covers a wide range of questions regarding different aspects of food safety. Temperature ranges at which different foods can be safely kept are often included in this test, and you may need to know minimum safe temperatures for hot foods as well as maximum safe temperatures for cold foods. These temperature ranges are usually those at which foods need to be kept to prevent the development of bacteria. You may also need to know different aspects of personal food handling procedures, such as what types of gloves to wear and when to wear a hair net.

Other questions on the test to become a food handler can include subjects such as cross-contamination and proper cleaning. Cross-contamination refers to the process by which one type of food is exposed to bacteria or other harmful agents in another type of food. If someone places raw meat on a counter, for example, and then does not properly clean that surface before placing cooked food on that counter, then bacteria from the raw food can get onto the prepared food. The information you need to know to pass these tests and become a food handler is typically available from the same government agency that provides the test.