Texas Food Handlers Card

Many accreditations, skills, and attributes can work in your favor during a job application process. However, there’s one that stands out from the crowd, and that’s the Texas Food Handlers Card.

The certificate provided for completing our food handler course is approved and accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Those who undertake the certification process will be thoroughly prepared to enter the food handling industry, armed with all the information they need to keep themselves and others safe. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to boost your career prospects with a Texas Food Handlers Certificate.

Many people might not understand just how important safe food handling can be. According to the World Health Organization, around one in ten people fall ill annually after eating contaminated food – that’s about 600 million people. Approximately 420,000 of those will die, and children under five account for nearly 130,000 of those deaths.

With figures such as those in circulation, it’s paramount to view unsafe food practices as more than just an inconvenience. They can actually be a killer. The Texas Department of State Health Services understands that and since 2015, made food handler training a requirement – rather than just a mere suggestion.

According to the Texas Food Establishment Rules, if you are a food handling employee, you must undertake an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of employment. That includes employees who work with food equipment, surfaces that come into contact with food, or food in general.

However, if you serve pre-packaged items, you may not be required to get your Texas Food Handlers certification. Instead, you just have to be supervised by a Certified Food Manager or someone with food handler training.

So, you’ve carried out your Texas Food Handlers Certification online course, passed, and have printed off your certificate. Now what? You will need to take your certificate to your local health authority to receive your Food Handler permit. This card has your name, the program you used to get your accreditation, such as TABC Pronto, and either an ANSI logo or TXDSHS number.

The card is recognized state-wide as a form of proof for having completed the certification process. Once you have your card, you are certified throughout the state of Texas to work with food. Your food handler card will be valid for two years from the date printed on it. Once your card expires you will need to renew it by retaking an accredited course.

The prospect of having to study or undertake a new form of education can be daunting. You might think it’s beyond your capabilities, or you don’t really see the value. Aside from the fact that getting certified to be a Texas Food Handler takes very little time, there is a multitude of other benefits too.

Firstly, it broadens your horizons. You will be far more desirable to employers who don’t want the hassle of having to encourage, coax, and ensure their staff has a valid food card. It also arms you with the knowledge you need to prepare food safely. Those who have undergone the training are likely to be more aware of cross-contamination, safe food practices and hygiene than someone who hasn’t.