Food Handler Requirements by State
Food handlers play a critical role in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses.
For this reason, most states require people who work with food to obtain a food handler card or certificate in food safety.
However, the food handler requirements differ by state.
This article provides an overview of the food handler requirements by state.
What is a food handler?
A food handler is anyone who works with food.
Food handlers work in various places, including:
- restaurants, from fine dining to fast food
- food manufacturing or packaging companies
- hotels
- schools and colleges
- convenience stores that serve food like pizza or chicken
- nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- hospitals
- grocery stores
- bars and pubs that serve food
Working with and around food requires a basic understanding of food safety to prevent the growth and spread of germs like bacteria and viruses that can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Without proper food safety knowledge, food handlers can contaminate food and surfaces that come in contact with food like counters, flatware, and serving utensils, through various means.
This contaminated food can then make people sick and may even lead to hospitalization or death, especially in highly susceptible populations, like older adults and those with certain conditions like cancer.
As such, many states require food handlers to take a course on food safety and pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of basic food safety principles.
These principles generally include:
- personal hygiene and handwashing
- cross-contamination and food allergies
- time and temperature abuse
- cleaning and sanitation
Knowing these topics in detail will ensure that you pass your food handler test.
Free PDF Food Handler Practice Test
40 must-know questions to pass your food handler test (the first time).
Passing the exam grants you a food handler card or certificate.
These cards or certificates must be renewed — usually every 2–3 years — to ensure the card or certificate holder stays current on all things food safety.
Summary
Food handlers work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals, among others. Many states require food handlers to take a course on food safety and pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of basic food safety principles.
Food handler requirements
States either require food handlers to take an approved food handler course and exam or they strongly recommend them.
The state requirements for these food handler courses vary but they generally must be accredited by a reputable organization like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Some states have their own food handler course that you must take while others may allow any accredited course.
States may require all food handlers at a food service location to carry a card or just one person per shift.
And even if a state doesn’t require a food handler card or certificate to work with food, some counties or municipalities within the state may.
Additionally, the company for which you work may require that you obtain a food handler certificate, regardless of your state or local regulation to ensure food safety.
With these factors in mind, here’s an overview of the food handler requirements by state:
| State | Food Handler Card Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Alaska | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| California | Yes |
| Colorado | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Connecticut | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Delaware | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Florida | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Georgia | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Hawaii | Yes |
| Idaho | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Indiana | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Iowa | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Kansas | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Kentucky | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Louisiana | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Maine | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Maryland | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Massachusetts | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Michigan | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Minnesota | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Mississippi | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Missouri | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Montana | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Montana | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Nebraska | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Nevada | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| New Hamshire | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| New Jersey | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| New Mexico | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| North Dakota | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Oregon | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Pennsylvania | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Rhode Island | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Tennessee | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Texas | Yes |
| Utah | Yes |
| Vermont | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Virginia | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Washington | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
| Wyoming | No, but it is recommended and some counties or municipalities may require it. |
Even if you’re not required to obtain a food handler card or certification, doing so is a relatively inexpensive way to make you stand out from your peers and may be justification for a pay raise.
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Summary
States either require food handlers to take an approved food handler course to obtain a food handler card or they strongly recommend them.
The bottom line
Working with food requires a basic understanding of food safety to prevent the spread of germs that cause foodborne illnesses.
Many states require food handlers to take and pass an exam on food safety.
The requirements for these courses differ by state, local jurisdictions, and the company for which you work.
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