Do Baristas Need a Food Handler Card?

As a barista, you must prepare and serve a range of hot and cold drinks, most of which are coffee-based.

If you work at a coffee shop or cafe, you may also be responsible for preparing and serving light foods, such as sandwiches, bagels, breakfast items, and pastries.

However, you may wonder whether you need the same food handler training that a cook or server at a restaurant might.

This article explains whether baristas need a food handler card, and if so, how to earn one.

Do you need a food handler card as a barista?

A food handler refers to a foodservice employee who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces, such as tables or ice scoops.

Baristas fit the definition of a food handler because they prepare and serve beverages and light food items, some of which require time and temperature controls to keep them safe, and clean and sanitize table tops, counters, and equipment.

Also fitting the definition of a food handler include dishwashers, bartenders, and servers.

Because general barista responsibilities require a basic understanding of food safety to prevent contamination and, consequently, foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require baristas to earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

And even if the state or county in which you work doesn’t require a food handler card, many coffee shops like Starbucks, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Dunkin’ have a strong food safety culture and still require it of their baristas.

How to get a food handler card as a barista

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate — proves that you have successfully completed a course on basic food safety principles.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to complete your food handler training in-person.

Otherwise, most people prefer online food handler training due to its convenience and ease.

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

Most places only accept food handler courses that have been accredited by the ANSI-National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

However, other places only accept food handler cards issued by the local health department.

After enrolling, you can begin the course right away.

The course will cover important food safety topics, including:

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

After completing the course, you must pass a test to demonstrate your knowledge one these topics to earn your food handler card.

You can expect to spend less than two hours to complete the course and take the test.

Your food handler card will usually be good for three years from the date you earn it, but depending on where you work, you may need to renew it sooner.

The bottom line

Because baristas fit the definition of a food handler, many states, counties, and employers require them to earn a food handler card.

To do so, enroll with a valid online training provider like FoodSafePal, complete the course, and pass the test.

Your food handler card will be good for three years, but you may need to renew it sooner.