Maine Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Because unsafe food handling practices is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses at food establishments, many states and counties require food handlers to earn a food handler card.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Maine?

Neither Maine nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

However, many food establishments across Maine have a strong commitment to food safety and still require it for their employees.

Additionally, Maine nursing homes and other healthcare facilities commonly rely on food handler training to meet state requirements (1).

For example, Maine requires that the foodservice director provide inservice training on good hygiene practices, with an emphasis on handwashing techniques, food preparation, storage, handling, and sanitation, at least quarterly.

Even if your employeer doesn’t require it, earning a food handler card can make it easier to land your next gig, earn a higher wage, or advance to a management position faster.

Summary

Neither Maine nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, but many Maine food establishments still require it.

How to get a Maine food handler card?

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

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

Valid Maine Food Handler Training

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Then, complete the course content, and pass the test.

The course covers essential food safety topics, including:

You will need to know this information for the final test, so pay close attention as you progress through the course, and take notes if you need to.

The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you will 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 the place at which you work.

This means you can take it with you if you change jobs.

If you move to a different state, check your local requirements as food handler training requirements vary.

Summary

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

How long does a Maine food handler card last?

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

It’s best to renew it at least 30 days before it expires to keep it active.

Regularly renewing it keeps you current and fresh on important food safety practices.

To renew your Maine food handler card, you must take and pass another valid food handler course — either from the same provider or a different one.

Always print or download a copy of your food handler card, and provide your manager with a copy if they require it.

If you lose your food handler card, log in to the account you created with the food handler training provider to print or download another copy. You can usually do this for free.

Summary

A Maine food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it. Renewing it at least every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety principles.

The bottom line

Neither Maine nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card, but your employer may still require it.

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