Iowa 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 basic food safety principles.

Because unsafe food handling is a common reason for the development and spread of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Iowa?

Neither Iowa or 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 food establishments in Iowa have a strong food safety culture, and still require their staff to earn a food handler card.

Additionally, Iowa requires food handler training to produce homemade food items and sell them directly to consumers or through other businesses (1).

You may also be required to earn a food handler card if you work at a nursing home or other healthcare facility.

That’s because these facilities serve populations highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

For example, Iowa requires that dietary staff of nursing homes receive regular inservice training on various topics related to their job, including food safety.

How to get an Iowa food handler card?

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

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

After enrolling, complete the course lessons, which cover important food safety topics, such as:

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

Then, using the knowledge you gained from the lessons, pass a test, which consists of multiple-choice questions.

The passing score varies by organization offering the training, but most — including FoodSafePal’s — require at least a 70% to pass and earn your food handler card.

If you don’t pass the first time, you’re usually allowed at one free test retake.

How long does an Iowa food handler card last?

An Iowa food handler card generally expires three years from the date you earn it.

However, your employer may be require that you renew it more often, such as annually if you work at a nursing home or other healthcare facility.

To renew your food handler card, you must reenroll in and complete a valid food handler training program.

You can reenroll with the organization from which you originally earned your food handler card or choose a different organization.

In either case, whether earning your food handler card for the first time or renewing it, make sure to print or save it as a PDF.

If your employer requires you to earn a food handler card, provide your manager with a copy to keep on file.

If you lose your food handler card, log into the account you created with the organization from which you earned it and redownload it.

Alternatively, you can contact the organization directly for a replacement.

The bottom line

Neither Iowa nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, but your employer may still require it.

Additionally, Iowa requires food handler training to sell homemade food, and you may be required to receive the training if you work in the dietary department of a nursing home or healthcare facility.

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

An Iowa food handler card generally expires three years from the date you earn it, but your employer may require you to renew it more often.