Written by Tanya Gonzalez
Texas food workers need to manage a wide range of responsibilities. From maintaining a clean kitchen to keeping consumables at appropriate temperatures, there's more to the job than just taking orders or prepping meals. Thatâs why the state requires most workers who handle or prepare food to be certified in food safety.
If youâre preparing to take your course, you can save yourself time and inconvenience by avoiding some common missteps. Here are five errors people often make when working toward their Texas food handler card and how to steer clear of them.
Letâs face it â life gets busy. You start a new job, and before you know it, your manager is asking for your food safety certification and you havenât even started the process. Most workers in Texas are required to finish the course within 30 days of starting work.
Waiting until the last minute is risky. Avoid the scramble by signing up for an approved course early.
Make sure you pick the right course. A legit course will be accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). If you sign up with an unapproved provider, youâll have to start over. But how can you tell? Look for the provider on the stateâs list of approved trainers . Our program, provided by American Safety Council, is state approved.
Some people approach food handler training like itâs just another box to check. But this isnât just about satisfying state requirements â itâs about keeping customers safe.
The course covers food safety regulations in Texas and how they apply to your position. Topics include foodborne illness prevention, cross-contamination, personal hygiene and sanitation.
You'll need to understand your role in maintaining best practices for safety so you can protect your establishment and those you serve.
While the DSHS sets the standard, cities and counties can have additional requirements based on local food safety inspection requirements. Some local health departments may ask for a printed certificate, while others may require you to register your certificate with them.
Check with your employer or local health agency to ensure you are knowledgeable on what Texas food establishment rules apply to your area.
Food handler and manager permits serve different purposes. Here's how to tell the difference.
Next, letâs explore how to get certified .
For the fastest and easiest option, take an online course with a provider like TABC Certification Program . Our mobile-friendly program is self-paced, so you can learn when itâs convenient for you. When youâre done, you can instantly download your certificate.
If youâre more of an in-person learner, some local community colleges and health departments offer classroom courses. Just make sure the provider is state approved.
Most online courses will take you one to two hours to finish. Theyâre quite affordable, with most costing less than $10. Once you pass, your certification is typically valid for two years. Just check with your employer in case your location requires earlier renewal.
To renew your certificate, youâll need to retake the course. To avoid delays, start training before your existing certification expires. If you lose your certificate, many training providers let you log back in to your account and download another copy.
Preparing for your food handler course doesnât have to be stressful. Avoiding common mistakes like procrastinating, using unapproved providers or confusing certifications can save you headaches and keep you on track.
Whether you're new to the industry or renewing an existing license, getting trained is easier than ever with online options. Enroll today so you can provide safe, quality service!