How to Check if Your Food Handlers Card is Expired
Unsafe food handling by food workers is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses.
As such, many places require food workers to earn a food handlers card and keep it current to work at a food establishment like a restaurant or other place that handles and serves food like schools and healthcare facilities.
However, if it has been a while since you earned your food handlers card, you might wonder how you can check if it’s current so you can stay compliant with your health department or employer’s requirements.
This article explains how to check if your food handlers card is expired and provides step-by-step directions on how to renew it when it’s time.
All food handler cards expire
Food handler cards are generally good for three years from the date you earn it.
However, in some places like Texas, they are only good for two years.
All food handler cards — at least those that are ANAB-accredited — must indicate when they are issued and they expire.
For example, each FoodSafePal Food Handler Certificate and Card will include the date in which it was earned and how long it’s valid for.
Food handler cards should also include other information, such as the certificate or license number.
If you lost your food handlers card, or you left the job at which your food handlers card was kept on file, you can always contact the company through which you earned it.
And if you don’t remember the company, you can search your email for keywords such as “food handler” or “food handlers card” or “food handler training.”
Assuming you took the course online, using these keywords to search all folders within your email — both inbox and trash — should allow you to find the email you were sent when you registered or completed the course.
Summary
Food handler cards expire three years from the date you earn it, unless where you live or work determines otherwise. The best place to check if your food handlers card is expired is on the card or certificate itself.
Steps to renew your food handlers card
If you find that your food handlers card is near or past its expiration, you must renew it to keep it active.
Working with an expired food handlers card can be an issue for both you and your employer if your health department happens to stop by — whether for a regular inspection or because of a food safety complaint.
Fortunately, if your food handlers card is expired, many, but not all, places give you a short grace period — usually 7 to 30 days — to renew it during which you won’t face any potential disciplinary action.
But, it’s best to stay ahead and not rely on this grace period — always aim to renew it within 30 days of it expiring to give yourself ample time.
To renew your food handlers card, follow these steps:
- Retake an approved food handlers course. Most places only accept ANAB-accredited food handler courses, like FoodSafePal’s, but make sure it meets your the requirements of your health department or employer.
- Take and pass the final test to earn your food handlers card. If you don’t pass the first time, you can usually retake it for free.
- Share a copy. Provide a copy of your renewed food handlers card or certificate to your manager, and in some areas, your health department, to keep on file.
Renew Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department
While not a step in the food handlers card renewal process, make sure you save a copy of your card or certificate — either as a physical or digital copy — in a safe place.
This way, you can easily refer to its listed expiration date when you’re coming up on three years.
Summary
You must renew your food handlers card before it expires to keep it active. To do so, you must retake another approved food handlers course and pass the final test. Don’t forget to share a copy of your renewed food handlers card with your employer or health department.
The bottom line
Food handler cards generally expire three years from the date you earn it.
The best place to check whether your food handlers card is expired is on the card or certificate itself since it should include the date you earned it and when it expires.
If you find your food handlers card is expired or close to expiring, you must renew it to keep it active and stay compliant with your the requirements of your health department or employer/
Renew your food handlers card by retaking an approved food handlers course and passing the final test. Then, share a copy with your manager, or in some places, your health department.
Renew Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department