Maryland Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler card or certificate — shows that you completed a course on important food safety principles.

Owing to the importance of safe food handling practices for the prevention of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

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

This article explains everything you need to know about a Maryland food handler card, including whether it’s required, how to get one, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in Maryland?

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

However, the Maryland food code requires that all food workers receive training in proper food handling and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties (1).

As such, many restaurants, bars, markets, schools, and other food establishments rely on food handler training programs for their employees to meet this requirement.

The same is true for nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Nursing homes and other healthcare facilities serve highly susceptible populations, so ensuring safe food handling practices and sanitation is especially important to keep residents and patients safe from foodborne illnesses.

If you are searching for a job in foodservice, earning your food handler card — even if it’s not required where you live and work — can make it easier to land your next gig or negotiate a higher starting salary.

How do you get a Maryland food handler card?

Earning a Maryland food handler card is a simple process that you can complete online in under two hours.

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

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

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

Pay close attention as you progress through the lessons so you can pass the test and earn your food handler card.

The test of most food handler training programs — including FoodSafePal’s — consist of 40 questions, and the minimum passing score is usually 70%.

If you don’t pass the first time, most organizations allow one free retake.

How long does a Maryland food handler card last?

A Maryland food handler card usually expires three years from the date of issuance.

When your food handler card is close to its expiration date, you must renew it by retaking a food handler training program.

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

If your employer requires you to earn a food handler card, make sure to provide your manager with a physical copy.

In nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, health inspectors or surveyors like to verify that you know how to handle food safely, which you can do by providing proof of your food handler card.

Most food handler training programs issue certificates and cards as a PDF, making it easy to print a copy to keep on you or email to your manager.

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 Maryland nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

However, because Maryland requires that food workers receive proper training on food handling and sanitation, many food establishments, including nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, rely on food handling training to meet this requirement.

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

Maryland food handler cards are generally good for three years from the date you earn it.