You are likely aware that food safety is serious when working in a food industry. Well, it’s obvious, as food safety is everything, even in the comforts of our homes.
The risks are high. From cooks, chefs, servers, and even bartenders handling different ingredients every day, they have a big responsibility as they work.
Common mistakes are like having unwashed ingredients or vegetables, unrefrigerated meat, or even cookware that is not sanitized may lead to having foodborne illnesses. This is a massive issue every food business owner will face.
Business owners should ensure that employees working with food have the right food handler certificate and license. It plays a big role as it certifies that the worker has food safety training and knows appropriate kitchen hygiene.
That is why every restaurant’s staff and server in the US have the food handlers’ certificate in Illinois and other states. However, the process depends upon the municipality and state. And even if having one is not regulated, it’s still very easy when you already know the rules.
So, do you work or own a restaurant in Illinois and want to know more about food handler certificate Illinois? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you will learn how you and all your employees can become food handler certified and answer some common questions concerning food handlers’ license Illinois.
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Food Handlers Certification, Illinois – What to Know?
This is also known as the food handler’s card, permit, or certificate. It confirms that you have finally completed the course about food safety, which was approved and required by the county or state.
As you know, the food employee or food handlers are the ones who work with the food contact surface, unpacked food, or food equipment. And to become one, you must pass the course food handlers and tests to obtain the food handlers card.
The training courses cover industry practices, and participants will learn significant guidelines about allergens, food temperature, hand-washing, tool sanitation, and more.
You are being tested on the foodborne illnesses, their causes, and their symptoms that advise that you should not go to work if you think you are being infected.
Guidelines for Getting a Food Handlers Certificate
Like obtaining any license or certificate, you should take the accredited course to pass the examinations. Getting certified and trained in just a couple of hours is possible, especially since there are online classes already. This is good news for busy managers, owners, and employees.
1. Review the Training Requirements of the State
Every city and state comes with many laws and also health codes. If you’re from Illinois, you have to know the courses approved. The deadline for filing is within 30 days, and you have to know who else would need a license and when they will need it. Another state would actually require employees to be certified in about 60 days of being hired.
2. Avail the Course
There are accredited courses you might want to avail. There is ServSafe, MyCertify, and Reserving. The course usually comes with the final license and exam. For about 120 minutes of instruction and studying, you will have to take the exams for food handlers.
3. Taking of Exams
Most examinations consist of about 40-45 questions only. Takers have to answer at least 75% of the questions. You only have few chances to pass right before you can retake the entire course. And when you get the passing rate, you will officially be a certified food handler.
4. Get the Certificate of Completion
You should be able to print the food handlers certificate upon completing the online course. You will also take the official version in just a few weeks. Other programs would mail the temporary license so you may keep up with your work.
5. Keeping Certificates
Local health departments mandates that you will keep food handlers certificates for employees. You may also be required to post the printed copies in a visible place to health inspectors. Of course, if you are applying for a job yet, the certificate can be used and maybe your edge over other applicants.
Wrapping Up
Even if you are not obliged to have food handler certification, everyone should practice the safe handling of food in whatever cases. Everyone, from the guests, visitors, and customers, trusts how you handle food with care.
More so, health inspectors will visit the establishment for inspection regularly to see if you really are practicing food safety. Sometimes, they even came unexpectedly. And if you don’t have permits, the business could shut down or even be charged.
Always protect yourself and the business’s reputation. That way, you can protect customers and maintain a very good business. Don’t wait until something happens.
