Course Details

Course Length: 75 minutes

Languages Available: English

Trip to Health Department Required?: No

Certificate/Card Length of Validity: 2 years

Test Details

Test Format: Multiple Choice

Number of Questions: 40

Test Attempts: 2

Passing Score: 70%

Learning Objectives

After successful completion of this course you should know:

Protect customers from germs spread from people to food by correctly handwashing, reporting illness symptoms, and following other hygiene practices.

Limit bacteria growth in food by controlling time and temperature and avoiding cross-contamination.

Identify major food allergens and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Correctly clean and sanitize food contact surfaces while preventing chemical contamination of food.

Reduce the spread of dangerous germs from pests by preventing their entrance into the workplace and correctly identifying and reporting signs of infestation.

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course you will be able to:

Identify which illness symptoms, diagnoses, or conditions require them to notify a food manager prior to working with food.

Determine when and where to wash hands before working with food.
Identify major food allergens and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Identify correct behaviors or practices for protecting food from physical or biological hazards originating from the food worker's own body.

Identify correct practices for preventing cross-contamination.

Identify correct practices for protecting food from time and temperature abuse throughout the flow of food.

Given a list of ingredients or food items, determine which is a considered a major food allergen by the FDA.

Identify correct practices for preventing allergen cross-contact throughout the flow of food.

Identify correct practices for protecting food from contamination originating from customers.

Determine when, where, and how to properly clean and sanitize equipment, ware items, and food contact surfaces.

Identify correct practices for using and storing chemicals to prevent chemical contamination of food or food contact surfaces.

Identify correct practices for preventing contamination originating from pests and other animals.

Approval Information

Approving Body: Approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services

License Number (if applicable):

Approval Documentation:

Regulations:

Texas Food Handler Laws and Regulations

Texas Retail Food Food Establishments – Statues and Laws

Accreditation Information

Accredited:

Accreditation Documentation:

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get a Food Handler Card in Texas

Below is a comprehensive FAQ addressing how to obtain a food handler card in Texas, based on official sources from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). All information is presented in an original format to ensure clarity and compliance with state regulations.

1. What is a Texas Food Handler Card?

A Texas Food Handler Card is a certificate issued upon successful completion of an accredited food handler training program. It demonstrates that an individual has been trained in safe food handling practices, such as proper hygiene, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining food safety to protect public health. This card is required for most food service employees in Texas.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Licensing of Food Handler Training Programs

2. Who needs a Food Handler Card in Texas?

In Texas, any food employee working with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or food-contact surfaces must complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of starting employment. This includes roles such as cooks, servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff. Exemptions apply to:

• Certified Food Managers.

• Employees at establishments serving only pre-packaged items.

• Workers at temporary food establishments under DSHS jurisdiction.

• Individuals in rehabilitation or correctional facilities working with food under supervision of a Certified Food Manager or someone with a food handler certificate.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs; Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228.31

3. How do I get a Food Handler Card in Texas?

To obtain a Texas Food Handler Card, follow these steps:

1. Enroll in an Accredited Training Program: Choose a food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), like FenixFoodSafety (pending accreditation). Programs can be taken online or in-person.

2. Complete the Training: The course must cover topics such as foodborne illness prevention, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and proper food storage. The minimum required training duration is approximately 2 hours.

3. Pass the Assessment (if required): Some programs require a final exam, typically needing a score of 70% or higher to pass. Not all programs include an exam.

4. Receive Your Certificate: Upon completion, you will receive a food handler certificate and card, which can often be downloaded and printed instantly for online courses.

5. Provide to Employer: Present a copy of your certificate to your employer, who must keep it on file (either electronically or as a hard copy) at the food establishment for inspection by regulatory authorities.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Licensing of Food Handler Training Programs; Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs

4. How long is the Food Handler Card valid?

The Texas Food Handler Card is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance, unless an expiration date is specified on the certificate. If no expiration date is listed, it defaults to 2 years. You must retake an accredited training course to renew your card before it expires.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs; 25 TAC §229.178

5. Where can I take the Food Handler Training Course?

You can take the course through:

• Online Programs: Many TXDSHS-approved or ANAB-accredited programs offer online training, which can be completed at your own pace on a computer, tablet, or phone.

• In-Person Programs: Some counties or organizations offer classroom-based training. Check with your local health department for available options.

• Local Health Departments: Contact your local health authority to find approved providers, as some counties may have specific requirements or offer their own courses.

To verify a program’s accreditation, ensure it is listed on the TXDSHS website or accredited by ANAB.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs; Texas Department of State Health Services, Licensing of Food Handler Training Programs

6. What topics are covered in the Food Handler Training Course?

The training must cover essential food safety topics, including:

• Foodborne illness prevention and identification.

• Proper personal hygiene (e.g., handwashing).

• Preventing cross-contamination.

• Time and temperature control for food safety.

• Cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

• Safe food handling practices, including avoiding bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Food Handler Program Initial/Renewal Application Cover Document; Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)

7. How much does it cost to get a Food Handler Card?

The cost of a food handler training course varies depending on the provider, but Texas state law mandates that the combined cost of the course and certificate not exceed $15. Some local jurisdictions may charge additional fees for registration with the local health authority, so check with your county or city for specific requirements.

Source: Texas Health and Safety Code §438.046; pos.toasttab.com

8. Do I need to pay additional fees to local health jurisdictions?

In some Texas counties or cities, additional fees may apply for registering your food handler card with the local health authority. However, Senate Bill 1089 prohibits local health jurisdictions from charging a fee or requiring a separate local food handler card if you have a certificate from an accredited program.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs

9. Can I get a replacement Food Handler Card if I lose it?

Yes, if you lose your card, contact the training provider to obtain a replacement. For online courses, you can often log into your account to reprint the certificate at no additional cost, as long as the card is still valid.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs

10. Are there any exemptions from the Food Handler Card requirement?

Yes, the following individuals are exempt from the food handler training requirement:

• Certified Food Managers.

• Employees at food establishments that only serve pre-packaged items.

• Workers at temporary food establishments under DSHS jurisdiction.

• Individuals in rehabilitation or correctional facilities working with food, as long as they are supervised by a Certified Food Manager or someone with a food handler certificate.

• Employees under the direct supervision of a Certified Food Manager or a person with a food handler certificate (e.g., nurses or assistants aiding in daily living activities).

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs; Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228.31

11. Does the Food Handler Card meet requirements for Texas Cottage Food Operators?

Yes, an accredited food handler training course satisfies the training requirements for individuals operating under Texas Cottage Food Law. Ensure the program is TXDSHS-approved or ANAB-accredited.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Licensing of Food Handler Training Programs

12. How can I verify if a training program is accredited?

To ensure a training program is legitimate:

• Check if it is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS). A list of accredited programs is available on the TXDSHS website.

• Verify if the program is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

• Confirm that the certificate issued includes the program name, address, and either a TXDSHS Accreditation License Number or ANAB accreditation details.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Frequently Asked Questions – Food Handler Education or Training Programs

13. What happens if I don’t get a Food Handler Card?

Failing to obtain a Food Handler Card within 60 days of employment may result in non-compliance with state regulations. This could lead to:

• Lower scores during health inspections.

• Potential fines or penalties for the food establishment.

• Increased risk of foodborne illness outbreaks due to improper food handling.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, How to Get a Texas Food Handlers Card; Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228.33

14. Where can I find official information about Food Handler Cards in Texas?

For official guidance, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services:

• Website: Visit www.dshs.texas.gov for details on food handler programs and accreditation.

• Phone: Call the Food Licensing Group at (512) 834-6727.

• Email: Contact the Food Licensing Group for specific inquiries.

• Mailing Address: Public Sanitation and Retail Food Safety Unit, MC 1987, Texas Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, Licensing of Food Handler Training Programs