The Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS), under Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228.31, requires that ‘…all food employees shall successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 30 days of employment.’

Food employee is an individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces under FDA Food Code, 1-2 Definitions, "Food Employee".

The following are exempt from food handler training requirement:

• Certified Food Manager
• Food establishment that only serves pre-packaged items
• Temporary Food Establishment (in DSHS jurisdiction)

The following are exempt from food handler training as long as they are supervised by a person who has had either food handler certification through an accredited course or is a Certified Food Manager:

• Individuals with an Intellectual Disability
• Persons in a rehabilitation or correctional facility that work with food or food related items as part of their rehabilitation
• Persons who aid in activities of daily living (ADLs) (such as but not limited to certified nurse assistants, nurses, etc.)
• Persons who distribute pre-portioned food items in settings such as but not limited to classrooms, daycare, and similar facilities.
• Volunteers, those individuals that work with food or food related items but are not employed by the food establishment

An accredited food handler education or training program may be taken at any program listed on the Food Establishments Group website. A link to the website is provided at the top of this page.

A food handler education or training program approved by TXDSHS or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

Yes, accredited training providers may offer training on the internet. All internet training providers, along with traditional classroom training providers will be listed on the website listed above.

A food handler card or certificate issued by an accredited program will vary in size and color. However, all food handler cards or certificates issued are required to have the food handler program name, address and either a TXDSHS Accreditation License Number or ANSI listed on the card or certificate. 

Food Handler Cards or certificates issued by an accredited program shall be recognized statewide by regulatory authorities as the valid proof of successful completion of an accredited food handler education or training program under Texas Health and Safety Code §438.046. A registry of TXDSHS accredited programs and ANSI link are also posted on this website link at the top of this page.

All accredited food handler programs are required to meet the training requirements for bare hand contact of ready-to-eat foods as defined in §3-301.11(E) . 

All food handlers who contact ready-to-eat food must receive training in the risks associated with this procedure including proper handwashing as specified under §2-301.12, and when to wash their hands as specified under §2-301.14. The specific requirements are addressed in §3-301.11, Preventing Contamination from Hands, Preventing contamination by employees. 

The food handler card or certificate is valid up to the expiration date listed on the card or certificate. If the card or certificate does not bare an expiration date, then the card or certificate is valid for two (2) years from date of issuance under 25 TAC §229.178 relating to Accreditation of Food Handler Education or Training Programs.

The food establishment shall maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler training course for each food employee under §228.31 relating to Certified Food Protection Manager and Food Handler Requirements.

The format of this documentation can be hard copy or electronic, but must be onsite, accessible and available upon request by a regulatory authority. 

Candidates who have taken an accredited Food Handler Training or Education Program must contact the training provider for instructions on how to obtain a replacement food handler card.

Yes, SB 1089 allows a single entity in a local health jurisdiction to provide a food handler course to their own employees without accreditation of the program. The course is only good for employees of that entity and does not have reciprocity throughout the state. Under DSHS jurisdiction, the food handler certifications are required to be from an accredited program.

No, SB 1089 (c) states that a local health jurisdiction may not charge a fee or require or issue a local food handler card for a certificate issued to a food service worker who provides proof of completion of an accredited program.