Posts: 4
From:Litchfield Park, Az, USA
Registered: Apr 2006

posted May 05, 2006 02:09 AM               

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I don't want this to sound ignorant but does anybody know how long a normal food handlers card is supposed to last. I mean is it one year or three years thank you. And I hope this wasn't too dumb of a question.

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Posts: 60
From:Diamond Springs, Calif.
Registered: May 2003

posted May 05, 2006 10:21 AM               

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It depends on the state and county. And it depends on what you mean by a "food handler's card"?

All I have as a State of California employee is my ServSafe certification, which is accepted by the state for three years. Sacramento County, the county I worked in, does not issue a separate card for each food handler.

Some counties throughout the US (and Canada?) issue a card to each cook and food service worker once they've satisfied certain requirements, like get a physical exam, take a food safety course and pass a written test.

Most counties in California don't issue a card to each handler. The establishment is required to do all the training, etc.

I can't speak to Arizona.

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Posts: 183
From:Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada
Registered: May 2003

posted May 05, 2006 10:03 PM               

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Hi there
Chef Steve is right. In Ontario, Canada we write an exam and the health department issues a card that has no expiry date. It is relatively new and has only been in effect for a couple of years. Hope this helps.
God Bless
Bryguy

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Posts: 4
From:Litchfield Park, Az, USA
Registered: Apr 2006

posted May 07, 2006 02:25 AM               

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yeh I meant state

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Posts: 761
From:Between Klamath Falls & Ashland, Southern Oregon
Registered: Jun 99

posted May 08, 2006 03:12 PM               

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Hi - most counties have a very simple to get Food Handlers Card, which needs renewed every year (sometimes two). Check with your local health department (every county has one) and they can let you know. Some states even allow you to get it online.

As mentioned above, almost every county and state also recognise ServSafe certification as well. The ServSafe certificate itself is good for 5 years, but most states only recognise it in place of a FHC for 3 years.

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