Do Dishwashers Need a Food Handler Card?

As a dishwasher, you support smooth and efficient operation by ensuring a steady supply of clean dishes and utensils, which also contributes to a positive customer experience.

However, because you’re uninvolved with preparing or serving food, you may wonder whether you need the same food handler training as other back of house employees.

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

Do you need a food handler card as a dishwasher?

A food handler is generally defined as a person who handles unpackaged food, utensils, or food contact surfaces.

Dishwashers — while they don’t prepare or directly handle food — meet the definition of a food handler because they touch sanitized food-contact surfaces, such as dishes, utensils, and other cookware.

Servers, bartenders, and baristas also meet the definition of a food handler.

Because unsafe handling of food-contact surfaces can lead to cross-contamination, and consequently foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require dishwashers to take a food handler course to earn a food handler card or certificate.

Unsafe handling of food-contact surfaces can also cause cross-contact and lead to a severe allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Cross-contact is similar to cross-contamination but occurs with the transfer of food allergens rather than pathogens — like bacteria or viruses — from one surface or food item to another.

Even if you live in an area where there is no law or regulation, many food establishments still require that dishwashers receive food handler training to better protect their customers — and staff — from foodborne illnesses and severe allergic reactions.

How to get a food handler card as a dishwasher

A food handler card or certificate proves that you have completed a course on important food safety principles.

Some health departments offer in-person training, but most people prefer online food handler courses for convenience and ease.

To get started, enroll with a valid online food handler training provider like FoodSafePal.

Most states, counties, and employers accept ANSI-National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited food handler cards or certificates, but you should check if where you live or work have specific requirements.

Food handler courses cover topics such as:

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

As a dishwasher, you’ll want to pay close attention to the information about dishwasher temperatures and maintenance, using a 3-compartment sink, and handling and storing clean dishes, since these topics are most relevant to your job.

After completing the course, you must then pass a test to demonstrate your knowledge of these topics.

If you don’t pass the test the first time, you can retake it.

Your food handler card will be good for three years from the date you earn it, but where you live or work may require that you renew it more often.

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

The bottom line

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

To earn your food handler card as a dishwasher, enroll with a valid online training provider — like FoodSafePal — complete the course, and pass the test.

Pay close attention to the information about dishwasher temperatures and maintenance, proper use of a 3-compartment sink, and handling and storing clean dishes.

Your food handler card will be good for three years from the date you earn it, but you may need to renew it more often.