Georgia Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Owing to the importance of safe food handling practices for preventing foodborne illnesses, many states and local health departments require food workers to earn a valid food handler card.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Georgia?

Neither Georgia nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a restaurant, grocery store, food truck, or other food establishment (1).

However, the Georgia Foodservice Rules and Regulations requires employees to be properly trained in food safety, including food allergy awareness.

To meet this rule, many places require food handler training.

Additionally, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities may require dietary staff to complete food handler training since the population they serve are highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses.

Even if you don’t need to earn a food handler card, earning one can make it easier to land your next foodservice gig or negotiate a higher starting salary.

How do you get a Georgia food handler card?

You can easily earn a Georgia food handler card online in under two hours.

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

After enrolling, complete the course content, which cover essential food safety topics, including:

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

Then, demonstrate your knowledge on these topics by passing a test to earn your food handler card.

Most food handler training programs — including FoodSafePal’s — consist of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need at least a 70% or higher to pass.

If you don’t pass the first time, most programs allow you to review the content and retest.

How long does a Georgia food handler card last?

A Georgia food handler card usually expires three years from the date you earn it.

When your food handler card is near its expiration, you must renew it by reenrolling in a food handler training program.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety practices to keep people safe from foodborne illnesses.

If your employer requires food handler training, make sure to provide your manager with a copy so they can keep it on file.

FoodSafePal’s food handler training program issues a certificate and card as a PDF, allowing you to easily print or email it.

If you lose your food handler card or certificate, you can redownload it from the organization in which you earned it or contact them to request another copy.

The bottom line

Neither Georgia nor any of its counties require a food handler card, but your employer may still require it to ensure you’re knowledgable of important food safety principles.

To earn your Georgia food handler card, simply enroll in an online course like FoodSafePal’s, complete the course content, and pass the test.

Georgia food handler cards are generally good for three years.