Louisiana Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate, permit, or license — proves that you have passed a food safety training course.

Because unsafe food handling by food workers is a leading cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment at a food establishment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Louisiana?

Neither Louisiana nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, or bar.

However, many Louisiana food establishments have a strong commitment to food safety and still require their workers to hold a valid food handler card regardless of state law.

Additionally, the dietary department of many Louisiana nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training to meet state and federal requirements.

Beyond being required by some employers, earning your food handler card can make it easier to land your next gig, boost your income, and get you promoted, among other benefits.

How to get a Louisiana food handler card?

Whether your employer requires that you earn a Louisiana food handler card, or you want to earn one for the value it provides, doing so is easy and generally takes less than two hours.

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

Then, complete the course content, which covers important food safety topics, including:

• food hazard types
• good personal hygiene
• handwashing procedures
• controlling time and temperature
• cleaning and sanitizing
• cross-contamination and cross-contact prevention

As you progress through the course, pay close attention and take notes for the test.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions, and you usually need at least a 70% to pass and earn your food handler card.

Once you earn your food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employeer, meaning that if you decide to work for a different food establishment, your food handler card follows.

However, if you move to a different state, make sure to check the food handler training requirements of the state or county to which you’re moving.

How long does a Louisiana food handler card last?

A Louisiana food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it.

When it’s near its expiration date, you must renew it by completing another food handler training course — either with the same or different training provider — to keep it active.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety practices.

It’s best practice to always keep your food handler card with you or saved on your phone.

If your manager requires it, make sure to provide them a copy as well.

If you lose your food handler card, you should be able to redownload or print it from your account on the training provider’s website.

The bottom line

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

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

A Louisiana food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it.