The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires that anyone who handles food for public consumption obtain a food handler card. Here's how it works- You first take a class and pass a test. Once you do, you can obtain a food handler card by paying a $15 fee and filling out a short application. The card allows you to work as a food handler and gives you the legal authority to handle food.
How do I get my Houston food handler certification?
In Houston, Texas a food handler certification is required if you own or work in a food establishment. The Texas Department of State Health Services created a course to instruct food handlers the basics of Food Safety.
The course covers Food Safety measures like how to prevent foodborne illnesses, preparing food, and how to clean and sanitize equipment. Food handlers must be 18 years old before they can take the course.
Why is a food handler certification important?
Food handlers include anyone who works in the food industry and comes into close contact with food. Many food handlers will work in grocery stores, restaurants, food processing plants, or other food-related establishments.
Each state its own set of requirements on how to obtain a food handlers card texas certification. The certification is a requirement to ensure food safety. Here are five reasons why getting a food handlers card is important-
One in six Americans gets food poisoning every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 48 million Americans get sick from food borne illness each year.
Food poisoning can cause vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
The CDC estimates that food poisoning costs the United States $152 billion in medical treatment and lost productivity every year.
Food handler certification is required by law in many states.
Here are five reasons to get a food handler card: Here are five reasons why getting a food handlers card is important-
One in six Americans gets food poisoning every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 48 million Americans get sick from food borne illness each year.
Food poisoning can cause vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
The CDC estimates that food poisoning costs the United States $152 billion in medical treatment and lost productivity every year.
Food handler certification is required by law in many states.
Food handler certification is a necessary requirement for many people working in the food industry.
However, it can be difficult to find information on how to get your food handler certification in Houston.
Steps to getting a Houston food handler certificate
With the fast-paced nature of the food industry, concerns about food safety issues also grow. That's why it's important to take a food safety course before getting a job in the industry.
It only takes a few steps to getting a Houston food handler card. In Houston, you'll need to take a course and pass an exam before getting a food handler certificate. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to getting a Houston food handler certificate.
How to apply for a Houston food handler certification
Food handler certification is achieved by taking a food safety training course. This course teaches food service workers the proper way to handle food and prevent the spread of illnesses.
To apply for a Houston food handler certification, you can visit an accredited website. Start by signing up for the food safety course. From there, you'll study the materials in preparation for the exam.
The City of Houston has a limited number of in-person Food Certification classes at the Environmental Services Division, 7411 Park Place Blvd. Signing up online is generally faster.
What will I need to get a Houston food handler card?
The law requires that any persons working in the food industry throughout Houston have a food handler certification. To obtain the required documents you'll need to sign up for the exam and pass it to be issued a food handler card or certificate.
There isn't much you need to do to apply for the exam. A state issued photo ID will be required to sign up. Also, depending on which exam you are taking there is a fee involved. The fee usually includes study guides and a practice test. When seeking a reputable food safety course to take, ensure that it is ANSI approved.
Having to take a course to get your food handler certification is a necessary evil.
The process of getting your food handler certification can be daunting.
How much does it cost?
A food handler certification or food handler card may have a small fee attached towards its obtainment. However, the benefits of having the card outweigh the initial fee. As it is both required by law, and helps ensure food safety measures are met, the food handler certification is very useful.
The cost of a food handler certification varies by each state. In Texas, as an example, the food handler course can be taken online or in a classroom environment. The different types of learning environments will also factor into the cost. They run from $15 to $25. Once the exam has been passed the food handler certification is valid for three years.
Gather all of the necessary documents
Start by completing an online registration form and selecting a date to take the food safety course. Once the reservation has been confirmed, an email will be sent to your inbox. You'll be required to have payments in no later than 7 days before the scheduled class date. Method of payment can be a money order, cashier's check, business check, credit or debit card purchase.
When paying, it's important to have the account and invoice numbers to complete the transactions. Payments can be accepted at one of the following locations-
Mailing Address-
Houston Department of Health and Human Services P.O. Box 300008 Houston, TX 77230-0008
Physical Addresses-
Houston Health Department 8000 N. Stadium Drive Environmental Services Office, 1st floor Houston, TX 77054 Office hours- 7-30 AM to 4-00 PM.
If you prefer to apply in person, visit-
Environmental Permits Office at 8000 North Stadium first floor (77054)
Class registration may also be completed over the phone by calling 832.393.5100, between 7-30 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. They offer both English and Spanish languages.
Houston food handler certification FAQ
Where can I take an accredited food handler program? An accredited food handler training program can be found online or in a classroom setting. Both options provide the same study materials and requisite exam.
What is an accredited program? In order for a training program to be accredited, it must be approved through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Can a food handler program be taken on the Internet? Yes, there are many training providers offering accredited food handler programs over the Internet. Each has the ANSI logo prominently displayed to highlight their legitimacy.
What will I receive to indicate that I've completed training through an accredited program? A food handler card or certificate will be issued once the exam is passed. It will have the the food handler program name, address and either a TXDSHS Accreditation License Number or ANSI listed on the card or certificate. Your name will also be noted so employers can easily see that you're a certified food handler.
People also ask
How long does the Texas food handlers certification take?
The Texas food handlers certification process can be completed in one day. The Texas Department of State Health Services requires any food handler to have a food handlers certification before being permitted to work. The certification course is a one-day course that takes place over the course of two hours.
How do I get a TABC and food handlers certificate?
You may be wondering how to get a TABC and food handlers certificate. Here is a step by step guide- 1. Go to TABC website and register for a food handlers course and food managers course (even if you're not a food manager, the certificate is the same). 2. Register for a course near you. 3. After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with the course's time and location. 4. Bring your confirmation email and a photo ID to the course.
Where can I get food management certification?
Have you ever wondered what is food management certification? Food management certification is a process that helps the food service industry manage the health and safety of their products and operations. This certification is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
