Food Handling Course

If you want a career as a food handler whether in a managerial position or even as a server, you must learn the proper way in which to handle or prepare foods to ensure the recipients do not become ill. Bacteria can be in the soil where produce is grown or in the water used for irrigation. When food products are not handled properly, this can lead to food borne illness, which can be fatal. The most common food handling courses are HACCP, ServSafe, and Food Microbiology and Sanitation Safety Certification; however, there are a few other options.

HACCP Food Handling Course

The HACCP Food Handling Course is comprised of seven principles that have been organized into a course that provides students with courses that meet the regulatory requirements set forth by the FDA and the USDA.

The course includes topics such as:

  • Critical limits
  • How to determine critical control points
  • Food defense
  • Prerequisite programs
  • Corrective actions
  • Monitoring
  • Record keeping
  • Verification

In order to receive the HACCP certificate, the student will need to complete the course and pass the exam with at least a grade of 70.

ServSafe Food Handling Course

ServSafe food handling course mainly covers the dangers that can be expected from food borne illnesses along with preventing these via sanitation. The course is designed especially for managers in various food handling industries as well information they can pass on to their employees to become safer food handlers.

The course includes topics such as:

  • Dangers of food borne illnesses
  • Sanitation
  • Cooling
  • Reheating
  • Cross contamination
  • Basic food safety
  • Personal hygiene
  • temperatures

This course is designed to ensure all requirements of the state in which the student will be working are included in the safety program.

Food Microbiology and Sanitation Safety Certification Food Handling Course

This food handling course is offered by the New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education & Human Development. Other state universities may also offer the same or similar food handling course.

The course includes topics such as:

  • Food handling
  • Food service sanitation process
  • Facilities
  • Codes
  • Management responsibilities

Other options for your Food Handling Course

Today, there are organizations online offering a food handling course including the Food Handlers of Texas. With this course, students will be provided the necessary information and course that are required by the health department in Texas that are required by the health department of the state. The thirty minute class offers a certificate after the completion of the course. There is final exam required to receive the certificate.

In order to ensure you are taking a food handling course that meets the requirements of your state, you should contact your local health department to learn the requirements. The good news is that some courses can be found online for a small fee of $10, however, the course is not a comprehensive course and may not provide you with the knowledge you need for some employment opportunities.

 

 

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