Michigan 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 basic food safety course.
Because unsafe food handling is a leading cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.
However, you may wonder whether Michigan or any of its counties require a food handler card.
This article explains everything you need to know about a Michigan food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn one, and more.
Do you need a food handler card in Michigan?
Michigan has no law requiring food workers to earn a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, bar, market, or food truck.
However, Michigan allows its counties to pass laws regarding food handler training requirements.
To this point, Lenawee County is the only Michigan county requiring food workers to earn a food handler card.
Still, even if you don’t work in Lenawee County, several Michigan food establishments have a strong commitment to food safety and still food handler training for their staff.
Additionally, Michigan nursing homes and other healthcare facilities often rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to ensure safe food handling practices and decrease the risk of expensive violations.
Even if your employer doesn’t require it, earning a food handler card can make it easier to land your next foodservice gig or boost your wage.
Summary
While Michigan has no law requiring food workers to earn a food handler card, Lenawee County does, and several Michigan employers still require it.
How to get a Michigan food handler card?
Whether required by your employer, or you’re after the value it provides, earning a Michigan food handler card is easy and takes less than two hours.
To get started, enroll with a valid online training provider, such as FoodSafePal.
Valid Michigan Food Handler Training
Easily earn your food handler card in under 2 hours
Then, complete the course content and pass the test to earn your Michigan food handler card.
The courses covers important food safety topics, including:
- biological, chemical, and physical food hazards
- good personal hygiene
- handwashing and glove use
- time and temperature controls for food safety
- cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- cross-contamination and cross-contact prevention
- food allergens and pest control
The test asks questions about these topics, so pay close attention as you progress through the course, taking notes as needed.
The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least a 70% to pass.
Most courses — including FoodSafePal’s — allow at one free retake if you don’t pass the test the first time.
Once you earn your Michigan food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer, meaning it stays with you if you change jobs.
If you work in Lenawee County, you must earn your food handler card through the health department, which doesn’t recognize other food handler cards, including FoodSafePal’s.
The health department offers in-person food handler classes four times annually in addition to an online class.
The online Lenawee County food handler course takes just longer than one hour to complete, and the test consists of 25 multiple-choice and true-false questions.
Learn more about earning your Lenawee County food handler card here.
Summary
To earn your Michigan food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the test. If you work in Lenawee County, you must earn your food handler card directly through the health department.
How long does a Michigan food handler card last?
A Michigan food handler card generally last for three years from the date you earn it, while a Lenawee County food handler card expires in two years.
However, your employer may require that you renew your food handler card sooner.
To renew your food handler card, you must take another valid food handler course and pass the test.
If you work in Lenawee County, you must renew it through the health department.
Regularly renewing your food handler card keeps food safety at the top of your mind and informs you of any changes to the Food and Drug Administration Food Code.
It’s best practice to keep your food handler card with you or saved on your phone while working, and provide your manager with a copy.
If you lose your food handler card, you can download or print a replacement from the provider’s website, or, if you work in Lenawee County, directly through the health department.
Summary
A Michigan food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it, while a Lenawee County food handler card expires after two years.
The bottom line
Michigan has no law requiring food workers to earn a food handler card, but you must earn a food handler card if you work at a food establishment in Lenawee County.
Your employer may also require food handler training, regardless of state law.
To earn a Michigan food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the test.
Valid Michigan Food Handler Training
Easily earn your food handler card in under 2 hours
If you work in Lenawee County, you must earn your food handler card directly through the health department — either in person or online.
A Michigan food handler card expires after three years, while a Lenawee County expires after two years.
