Given that 48 million people get sick from foodborne diseases every year, food safety in the service industry is crucial. That’s why employees working in the service industry must obtain their food handlers certification in Texas under Texas Food Establishment rules. You can learn all about personal hygiene and safe food practices in a convenient online course.
However, studying toward your food handler card once doesn’t mean you’ll have it forever. In fact, Texas food handling certificates do expire. If you’re wondering how long a food handlers card lasts, you can find the answer below:
How Long Does a Food Handlers Card Last?
After completing a food handling certificate course with a TXDSHS-approved course provider, you might be wondering, ‘Do food handlers cards expire?’ The answer is yes. Your food handlers card is valid for two years and will expire after that timeframe.
Fortunately, renewing your food handler card is easy. You can follow the steps below:
- Find an accredited food handler internet training program
- Visit the website of a reputable Texas food handling certificate provider
- Enroll in a new Texas Food Handlers course
- Complete the program in as little as two hours
- Download and/or print your new, valid certificate – The Texas Department of State Health Services doesn’t send you one in the mail
How to Know If Your Food Handler Card Is Expired
Life gets busy, and you may not always remember whether your food handler permit is valid or expired. However, it’s easy to find out if you don’t have access to your current card to view the expiry date.
- Visit the food handler certification site you obtained your permit from
- Log into your account
- Review your certificate information
Why Should I Renew My Food Handler Card?
Learning that the food handlers certification Texas food servers must have is expired can be frustrating. Not everyone wants to set aside time to study towards renewing it. However, there can be great value in doing so:
Being Able to Work in the Service Industry
In Texas, it’s a legal requirement for service industry workers to have a valid food handler card. Without one, you may be at risk of fines and penalties. If you don’t plan on leaving the service industry before your food handler card expires, you’ll need to complete the food handler certification course within 30 days.
Being More Desirable to Employers
If you’re trying to get a job in the service industry, you may stand a better chance of being hired if you have a food handler card than someone without! If you’re employed without one, you’ll need to obtain one within 30 days.
Refreshing Your Knowledge and Skills
Safe food handling and excellent personal hygiene can be crucial for keeping yourself, your customers, and your coworkers safe. Renewing your food handler card gives you an opportunity to update your knowledge and skills regarding the latest food safety procedures and standards.
Protecting Public Health
Renewing your card shows your employer and the general public that you’re dedicated to keeping them safe, preventing foodborne illnesses, and maintaining high safety and hygiene standards.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Food Handlers Certification in Texas?
Knowing that food handlers cards expire, it’s a good idea for you to know how long it takes for you to get a new one. This knowledge can be necessary for ensuring you have a valid food handler permit within 30 days of your old one expiring.
You can complete an online food handler certification course through an approved provider in as little as two hours.
Has Your Food Handlers Card Expired? Renew It At TABC Pronto
TABC Pronto is proud to be a TXDSHS-approved course provider in Texas, providing fast and convenient online food handler permit courses. Are you ready to renew your expired permit? Enroll in our online Texas food handlers card course and receive your new certificate in as little as two hours.