Question 1
Which practice is NOT allowed under the Food Code?
Food handler vs food manager: which do you need?
A food handler card shows basic food safety training for any worker who handles food. Food protection manager certification is a higher level: an accredited, proctored exam for the person who runs food safety in the operation.
| Food Code: manager | At least one supervisor is a certified food protection manager |
|---|---|
| Food Code: all staff | Trained in food safety for their duties |
| Manager exam | Proctored, accredited, valid up to five years (National Registry) |
| Food handler card | Set by state and local law |
What the Food Code requires
Under section 2-102.12 of the FDA Food Code, at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility must be a certified food protection manager, who has passed a test that is part of an accredited program. The person in charge must be on site during all hours of operation.
Section 2-103.11 makes the person in charge responsible for making sure food employees are properly trained in food safety, including food allergy awareness, as it relates to their duties. Many states and counties go further and require a food handler card for workers.
How they differ
- Who: a food handler card is for cooks, servers, dishwashers and anyone handling food; manager certification is for the person in charge or a supervisor.
- Depth: food handler training covers the basics; the manager exam also covers HACCP, inspections, facilities, plumbing, pests and emergencies.
- Exam: the manager exam is proctored and accredited; food handler programs are usually shorter.
- How long it lasts: the National Registry says its manager certification is valid for up to five years. Food handler cards last as long as your state or county sets.
Which one you need
If you supervise a kitchen or will be the person in charge, you need manager certification. If you handle food under a manager, check whether your state or county requires a food handler card. Your local health department sets both rules.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
What is the temperature danger zone for TCS food?
Question 3
Whose duty is it, under the Food Code, to make sure food employees are trained in food safety for their jobs?
Next step
Questions people ask
Is a food manager certificate the same as a food handler card?
No. A food handler card shows basic training for food workers. Food protection manager certification is an accredited, proctored exam for supervisors and the person in charge.
Does a food manager need a food handler card too?
Rules vary by state and county. In some, manager certification is accepted in place of a food handler card; check with your local health department.
How long is a food manager certification valid?
The National Registry says up to five years, and your local regulatory authority may require you to recertify sooner.