Utah 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 course on food safety.

Because unsafe food handling practices in food establishments is a common reason for foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler permit in Utah?

Utah requires that all food handlers earn a food handler certificate within 14 days of employment, and a food handler permit within 30 days of employment (1).

While food handler and permit are commonly used interchangeable to mean the same thing, Utah defines them differently.

A food handler certificate is proof or documentation of food handler training completion indicating passing of an approved exam.

Conversely, Utah defines a food handler permit to mean a permit issued by a local health department to allow a person to work as a food handler.

An approved training provider issues the food handler certificate after you complete the course and pass the exam, while your health department issues the permit after receiving proof of the food handler certificate.

Utah defines a food handler as a person who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces for a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, and food truck.

A food establishment also includes places you might not think of such as nursing homes and other healthcare facilities as well as schools.

Summary

Utah requires that all food employees earn a food handler certificate from an approved training provider within 14 days of employment, and a food handler permit within 30 days.

How to get a Utah food handler permit?

To earn a Utah food handler permit, you must enroll with a training provider approved by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

The cost to enroll varies by provider but usually ranges between $10 and $17.

On top of this fee, you must pay a $15 permit fee to the health department in which you work.

Most approved training providers include this $15 fee in the pricing, meaning you will pay between $25 and $32.

After enrolling, you must complete the course content, which covers essential food safety topics, including:

This training should take at least 75 minutes to complete.

After completing the course content, you must take a 40-question multiple-choice test, and earn at least a 75% to pass and earn your card.

Then, the approved program in which you enrolled will send a copy of the certificate to your local health department.

Upon receiving proof, the health department will issue you a food handler permit, allowing you to handle and serve food at a food establishment.

If you change jobs, you may have to pay and apply for another permit with the health department where your new job is.

Summary

To earn a Utah food handler certificate, enroll with an approved training provider, complete the course, and pass the exam. The training provider must then send the certificate to your local health department who will issue you a food handler permit.

How long does a Utah food handler permit last?

A Utah food handler permit is good for three years from the date you earn it.

It’s best to renew your food handler permit at least 30 days before it expires, but Utah allows a seven-day grace period after it expires.

To renew, you must retake and pass an approved food handler training course. Your health department will then issue a food handler permit after receiving proof that you have completed the course from the provider.

If you lose your food handler permit, you must contact the health department for a replacement. The health department may charge a fee.

Summary

A Utah food handler permit is good for three years from the date you earn it.

The bottom line

Utah requires that all food employees earn a food handler certificate within 14 days of employment, and a food handler permit within 30 days.

To earn a Utah food handler certificate, enroll with an approved training provider, complete the course content, and pass the exam.

The training provider from which you earned your certificate will then send proof of it to your local health department to issue you a food handler permit, which ultimately allows you to work as a food handler.

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