Minnesota 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 food safety course.

Owing to the importance of safe food handling practices for the prevention of foodborne illnesses, many states and cities require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Minnesota?

Neither Minnesota nor 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 Minnesota food establishments have a strong food safety culture and still require the training for their staff before or shortly after employment.

Additionally, Minnesota nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training to ensure their dietary staff know how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.

And even though Minnesota doesn’t require a food handler card, earning one can make it easier to land your next foodservice gig or earn a higher wage.

Summary

Neither Minnesota nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card, but many employers still require it.

How to get a Minnesota food handler card?

Whether required by your employer, or to gain all the benefits it provides, earning your Minnesota food handler card is easy and takes less than two hours.

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

Minnesota Food Handler Card

Easily earn your food handler card in under 2 hours

ENROLL NOW

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

The course covers essential food safety topics, including:

The test asks questions about these topics, so pay close attention as you progress through the course and take notes.

The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least a 70% to pass and earn your Minnesota food handler card.

Once earned, your Minnesota food handler card belongs to you and not your employer, meaning it follows you if you change jobs.

Summary

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

How long does a Minnesota food handler card last?

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

However, your employer may require you to renew it more frequently.

To renew your food handler card, you must take another food handler course from a valid training provider and pass the test.

Renewing your food handler card at least every three years 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 a physical copy of your Minnesota food handler card on you or saved to your phone while working, and provide your manager with a copy if they require it.

If you lose your food handler card, you can download or print another copy from the training program’s website by logging into your account.

Summary

A Minnesota food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it. Regularly renewing it keeps you current and fresh on important food safety topics.

The bottom line

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

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