Delaware Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate, license, or permit — proves that you have completed a course on food safety.

Owing to the importance of safe food handling for preventing foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employement.

However, you may wonder whether Delaware or any of its counties require a food handler card.

This article explains everything you need to know about a Delaware food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn one, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in Delaware?

Neither Delaware nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or food truck.

However, many Delaware food establishments have a strong commitment to food safety and still require their workers to earn a food handler card.

Additionally, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities across Delaware commonly rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to meet federal requirements for food safety training (1).

Even if your employer doesn’t require it, earning your food handler card can make it easier to land your next gig or earn a higher wage.

How to get a Delaware food handler card?

Whether required by your employer, or for the value it provides, you can easily earn your Delaware food handler card in less than two hours.

To get started, enroll with a valid online training provider, such as Food SafePal.

Then, complete the course content, and pass a multiple-choice test.

The course content covers crucial food safety topics, including:

• how food becomes unsafe
• good personal hygiene and handwashing
• time and temperature controls for food safety
• cross-contamination and cross-contact prevention
• cleaning and sanitizing

The exam asks questions about these topics, so pay close attention as you progress through the course.

You usually need at least a 70% to pass the test and earn your food handler card.

Once you earn your food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer, meaning it follows you if you change jobs.

How long does a Delaware food handler card last?

A Delaware food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it.

Before your Delaware food handler card expires, you must renew it by retaking another food handler course to keep it active.

Regularly renewing your food handler card keeps you current and fresh on important food safety principles.

It’s best practice to print or download several copies of your food handler certificate or card, and provide a copy to your manager — if required.

If you lose your food handler card, most providers allow you to reprint or download a copy from your account.

The bottom line

Neither Delaware nor any of its counties require a food handler card, but your employer may still require it.

To earn a Delaware food handler card, simply enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course tent, and pass the test.

A Delaware food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it.